Dodgers vs. Padres: NLDS Game 1 predictions, odds and picks — Oct 5, MLB 2024

In many ways, MLB fans have been waiting for the NLDS between the LA Dodgers and San Diego Padres since long before it was announced. At last, the two titans of the NL West will have their chance to show which side is truly October-ready.

While the Dodgers enjoyed a first-round bye into the next round, San Diego battled the Atlanta Braves in the Wild Card round, besting Atlanta in two games. Saturday's game will get underway slightly after 5 pm PST from Dodger Stadium.

"Full #NLDS schedule for the @Padres vs. @Dodgers has been announced! #Postseason" - MLB

Padres vs Dodgers recent form and records

The Padres surged in the second half of the season, amassing a 93-69 record, placing them within five of the Dodgers. Instead, manager Mike Schildt's club captured the first NL Wild Card slot and dealt with the Atlanta Braves in short order.

The Dodgers have not played since they culminated their 2024 regular season against the Colorado Rockies on September 29. 98-64, LA had the league's best record this year and won the NL West for the 11th time in the past 12 seasons.

Players to Watch

Starting Pitchers

SD: Dylan Cease (14-11, 3.47 ERA) vs Yoshinobu Yamamoto (7-2, 3.00 ERA)

Cease has a 1.067 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 224 K in 189.1 IP.

Last Start: ND, 5 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K vs LAD

Career vs LAD: 1-1 2.61 ERA (20.2 IP, 6 ER) 0 HR in 4 games

Yamamoto has a 1.111 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 105 K in 90 IP.

Last Start: Win, 5 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K vs COL

Career vs SD: 0-1 12.00 ERA (6 IP, 8 ER) 2 HR in 2 games

Must-Watch Hitters

San Diego

Fernando Tatis Jr. kicked the Padres' postseason run off in style, homering against the Braves in the opening inning of Game 1. In his 19 games since coming off the IL, Tatis has hit .289 with 7 home runs and 13 RBIs.

"FERNANDO TATIS JR. WITH A DEEP DRIVE TO LEFT FIELD IN THE FIRST INNING. HE KNEW IT IMMEDIATELY" - ESPN

Catcher Kyle Higashioka came to the Padres from the New York Yankees last December as part of the Juan Soto trade. This postseason, Higashioka's pair of homers and three RBIs lead his team.

Los Angeles

After seven seasons of disappointment with the Los Angeles Angels, Saturday will mark Shohei Ohtani's first career playoff game. After a historic season that saw him become the first player ever to go 50/50. watch out for Ohtani to be a huge part of his team's success this October.

Outfielder Teoscar Hernandez had a strong final month of the season, hitting for a .323 average while mashing 5 home runs and 12 RBIs. In addition to hitting a career-high 33 homers this season, Hernandez's 99 RBIs were his most since 2021.

"445 feet off the bat of Teoscar Hernández! No letup from the @Dodgers" - MLB

Someone who has seen postseason action before, Kiki Hernandez hit .435 with 2 homers and six RBIs in his final week of the season. A utility man who can be slotted in virtually anywhere in the lineup, Hernandez carries particular importance to the Dodgers in the postseason.

Padres vs Dodgers baseball betting odds

Saturday 5/10	Money Line	Run Spread	Total Runs
San Diego Padres	+ 120	+ 1.5 -200	O 7.5 -115
Los Angeles Dodgers	- 140	- 1.5 +165	U 7.5 - 105

Padres vs Dodgers expert picks and game prediction

Of the 12 regular-season meetings between the two clubs, San Diego walked away victorious in eight of them. Despite this, LA still finished with the better record.

The nature of both the Padres and the Dodgers makes head-to-head betting difficult. On any given day, both lineups have the possibility of failing or succeeding in hitting, pitching, or both.

While San Diego's big bats are looking threatening, the Dodgers are rested, and at home. As such, an LA win is the most likely outcome.

Run Line: +1.5 -200

Total Runs: O 7.5 -115

Prediction: Los Angeles W, 10-6