The Los Angeles Dodgers struck first in their National League Divisional Series matchup against the rival San Diego Padres, taking Game 1 by a score of 5-1.
Now, things get even tougher as the Dodgers hand the ball to a rejuvenated Clayton Kershaw, who is hoping to finally erase his MLB playoff demons and lead his team to its first World Series title since 1988.
We break down the baseball odds and bring our best Padres vs. Dodgers Game 2 picks and predictions for MLB playoff action on Wednesday, October 7 (9:08 p.m. ET).
San Diego Padres vs Los Angeles Dodgers betting preview
MLB Playoff Series Prices
Padres: +500
Dodgers: -700
Starting Pitchers
Zach Davies (0-0, 18.00 ERA) vs Clayton Kershaw LHP (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Davies has been one of the Padres most reliable starters in 2020, pitching to a 2.73 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP over 12 starts. But Davies’ start to the postseason did not go well. The right-hander lasted just two innings in his wild card start against the Cardinals, surrendering four runs on five hits. He’ll need to go longer than that if the Padres want a chance in this one, after using eight relievers in Game 1.
Kershaw found a little added velocity in 2020 and as a result, he has looked like his vintage self. The Claw pitched to a 2.16 ERA and a 0.84 WHIP this season and he carried that over to his first postseason start of the year. Kershaw shut out the Brewers on just three hits, while racking up a whopping 13 strikeouts over eight innings in the wild card round. Can he keep it rolling against the Padres?
Weather
This game will take place on neutral at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, and with a retractable roof, weather should have minimal impact on play. Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our MLB weather info.
Five Inning Total Pick
Yes, Mike Clevinger’s postseason debut with the Padres did not last long before aggravating his elbow injury in Game 1. So, there will be pressure on Davies to give that bullpen some relief. Luckily, for the Padres, Davies’ last start was not the norm in 2020.
In fact, the righty had pitched at least five innings while allowing three earned runs or fewer in each of his first 12 starts. Davies also had some success against the potent Dodgers lineup, pitching to a 3.36 ERA with a 1.15 WHIP in two starts against them this season.
With Kershaw spinning the way he is right now, it’s hard not to think this one will be low scoring through five innings.
PREDICTION: Under 5 First Five Innings (-117)
Runline Pick
Kershaw has taken a lot of flak over the course of his career for not being his best when it matters the most, but maybe this crazy 2020 is the year where everything comes together for The Claw.
Now, the Padres present a much tougher test for Kershaw than the Brewers ever could, but Kershaw has the tools to lead the Dodgers to a victory in this one. Kershaw allowed three runs on five hits while striking out nine in 6 1-3 innings against the Padres back on September 14. The Dodgers eventually lost that game, but it certainly wasn’t Kershaw’s fault.
If Kershaw can get ahead in counts, as he did against the Brewers, he will set himself up well. But it needs to said again: the Padres are much better than the Brewers.
But with even as talented as the Padres’ lineup is, the Dodgers are better, have the better and more rested bullpen and will rely on their postseason experience to carry them to a victory here.
PREDICTION: Dodgers -1.5 (-108)
Padres vs Dodgers betting card
- Under 5 First Five Innings (-117)
- Dodgers -1.5 (-108)
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