Padres and Dodgers Clash in NLDS Game 1 Showdown

The 2024 MLB playoffs are heating up as the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers face off in Game 1 of the National League Division Series (NLDS). The game is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 5, at 5:38 p.m. PT at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. This matchup will feature two National League West rivals meeting in the postseason for the third time in five years.

Heading into the series, the Padres boast a strong record against the Dodgers, having secured an 8-5 advantage during the regular season and winning their previous three playoff matchups, including the 2022 NLDS triumph.

San Diego has entrusted pitcher Dylan Cease with the start for Game 1. Cease, who was pivotal in guiding the Padres through the wild-card round, boasts respectable career numbers against the Dodgers lineup. In 91 plate appearances, Dodgers hitters have a .231 batting average and a .307 on-base percentage against him.

On the Dodgers’ side, Yoshinobu Yamamoto will take the mound in hopes of setting the tone for Los Angeles. However, Yamamoto has had mixed success against the Padres this season. Notably, his major league debut was against San Diego, where he lasted only one inning after giving up five runs. Yamamoto has also battled injury issues, having missed nearly three months of play due to a shoulder injury.

The Dodgers’ bullpen could be a key factor if Yamamoto struggles to last deep into the game. Meanwhile, the Padres are well-equipped with a strong bullpen, potentially providing them a strategic edge.

Game 1 anticipation is heightened by playoff history. Since the MLB introduced its new playoff format in 2022, underdogs who scored five or more runs after a wild-card sweep are undefeated in their following game, presenting an intriguing storyline for fans and bettors alike.