First place is on the line out in the wild, wild, west as the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers will square off on the diamond at Dodger Stadium. Join us for our MLB odds series, where our Padres-Dodgers prediction and pick will be unveiled for all to see.
After getting bested by the Dodgers in game one and two of this divisional series, the Padres must act quickly to remain in the race for the NL West crown. San Diego is hoping that they have the right man on the mound for this thrilling matchup as righty Yu Darvish is on track to get the start against Los Angeles. In 14 starts, Darvish is 7-3 with a 3.26 ERA.
The Dodgers uncharacteristically dropped a pair of games to the Rockies a few days back, but since then, LA has gone on to three straight to maintain a strong grip on the rest of their divisional opponents. Speaking of the Rockies, former Colorado pitcher Tyler Anderson has resurrected his career in the City of Stars. In twelve starts, Anderson has compiled a flawless 8-1 record with a shiny 3.23 ERA.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Padres-Dodgers MLB odds.
MLB Odds: Padres-Dodgers Odds
San Diego Padres: +1.5 (-166)
Los Angeles Dodgers: -1.5 (+138)
Over: 8 (-105)
Under: 8 (-115)
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Why The Padres Could Cover the Spread
At 46-33, the Padres are unfortunate enough to be in the same division as the Dodgers. This has been the case for the rest of the NL West, as Los Angeles has had the division in control for close to a decade and running. As the baseball season now has progressed to July, San Diego has as good of a chance as anyone in recent years' past outside of the 2021 Giants to dethrone the mighty Dodgers. `
While losing the first two games of this series with major playoff implications isn't ideal, the Padres will need all hands on deck to win tonight and tomorrow to even the series and pull within a 1.5 off the division lead. San Diego has not been able to get the offense and pitching clicking on the same page, as they have been outscored 27-15 over the course of their recent losing stretch.
San Diego obviously needs to generate more offense in this series, as they have only scored two runs in this series. Tied for tenth in runs scored on the season with 359 total, this lineup is due for a breakout game, especially with third-baseman Manny Machado back from injury.
Pitching-wise, San Diego has been even better as they have compiled the fifth-lowest ERA in the league at a 3.51 ERA. Even with a respectable bullpen, it's been the Friars' starters who have been nearly untouchable this season. With the most quality starts in the majors with 41, the pitching prowess of the Padres have kept this clubhouse dreaming of World Series aspirations at night.
Why The Dodgers Could Cover the Spread
Over the past few seasons, the Dodgers have made a name for themselves in finding ways to come out triumphant in must-have wins, and this has been the case against the Padres in this series. LA remains a top-caliber baseball organization that franchises across the league could only dream of being. While the Dodgers have only been able to secure one championship during their dominance over the last 10 years, this 2022 roster has every opportunity to win another World Series title.
With multiple players expected to hear their name called in their home park at the All-Star Game on July 19th, the Dodgers have certainly kicked off the festivities early in pursuit of their 50th win this weekend.
Through their first 76 games played, the Dodgers are tied for the most runs scored in baseball with 384 total. Shortstop Trea Turner has been the main focal point of this offensive attack with a .306 batting average and 56 RBIs.
Can Tyler Anderson continue his All-Star caliber season? Anderson hasn't looked nearly as sharp in his last two outings against the Reds and Rockies. However, the Dodgers southpaw has become quite familiar with the Padres over his career.
In eleven starts, Anderson is 4-3 with a marvelous 2.63 against the Friars. The lefty has surrendered seven runs in his last two starts, but a stellar outing in a big-time divisional matchup would give the Dodgers a near lock to cover the spread.
Final Padres-Dodgers Prediction & Pick
This is hands down one of the more highly anticipated contests among the MLB scheduled slate on Saturday. The biggest storyline in this one is whether the Padres sticks will be able to show up. If they do, then the Dodgers may be in for a game. Defeating San Diego three straight times will be no easy task.
Final Padres-Dodgers Prediction & Pick: Padres +1.5 (-166)
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