Dodgers vs. Padres: NLDS game 2 predictions, odds and picks — Oct 6, MLB 2024

On Sunday, the Dodgers and Padres will play the second game of their ongoing NLD series. The game will be the last at Dodger Stadium before the series heads to San Diego for Game 3, and Game 4, if necessary.

Game 1 on Saturday was a scintillating display of offense. A two-run home run from Manny Machado put the Friars up 3-0 in the first inning before Shohei Ohtani answered with a three-run shot in the bottom half. In the end, the Dodgers packed on four runs in the fourth and fifth to win 7-5.

"NL WEST SHOWDOWN IN THE POSTSEASON. The @Padres will take on the @Dodgers in the NLDS on FOX/FS1" - FOX SPORTS: MLB

Padres vs Dodgers recent form and records

The Padres amassed the second-best record in baseball in the months of August and September. As such, manager Mike Schildt's team finished as the top Wild Card team in the NL, and defeated the Atlanta Braves in the NLWCS.

The 98 wins posted by the Los Angeles Dodgers led MLB in 2024. Regarded as one of the most stacked teams of the modern age, LA's game on Saturday was their first outing since playing the Colorado Rockies on Sept. 29. Despite the long rest, manager Dave Roberts' team did not appear out of sync in Game 1.

Players to Watch

Starting Pitchers

SD: Yu Darvish (7-3, 3.31 ERA) vs LAD: Jack Flaherty (13-7, 3.17 ERA)

Darvish has a 1.065 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 78 K in 81.2 IP.

Last Start: Win, 5.1 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K vs ATL

Career vs LAD: 5-5 2.27 ERA (91.1 IP, 23 ER) 9 HR in 15 games

Flaherty has a 1.068 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 194 K in 162 IP.

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

Career vs SD: 2-1 4.45 ERA (30.1 IP, 15 ER) 5 HR in 6 games

Must-Watch Hitters

San Diego

Catcher Kyle Higashioka has been an unlikely contributor to the team's offense so far this postseason. Having come to the Padres via the Juan Soto deal with the New York Yankees, Higashioka has hit a team-leading two homers this postseason, and owns a .429/.444/1.429 slashline in three games so far this October.

Fernando Tatis Jr. brings as energy to the Padres lineup that is truly made for October. Already 6-for-10 with three walks this postseason, Tatis' solo shot in the first inning of the Wild Card series against the Braves sent Petco Park into a frenzy. Watch out for Tatis to continue to produce.

"FERNANDO TATIS JR. HITS THE FIRST HOME RUN OF THE 2024 #POSTSEASON" - MLB

Manny Machado homered against his former team on Saturday. Certainly an experienced postseason player, the third baseman has hit 11 home runs and 27 RBIs in 44 career postseason games to date.

Los Angeles

Rather predictably, Shohei Ohtani was a part of his team's win on Sunday. Responsible for his club's only home run, Ohtani has now homered in every single playoff game that he has ever been a part of.

"SHOHEI OHTANI TIES THE GAME!!! #NLDS" - MLB

After Ohtani, Teoscar Hernandez' 33 homers led his team this season. A former Silver Slugger during his time with the Toronto Blue Jays, Hernandez had a pair of RBIs on Saturday.

Padres vs Dodgers baseball betting odds

Sunday 6/10	Money Line	Run Spread	Total Runs
San Diego Padres	+ 120	+ 1.5 -185	O 8 -115
Los Angeles Dodgers	- 145	- 1.5 +150	U 8 -105

Padres vs Dodgers expert picks and game prediction

Of the thirteen games played between the Padres and Dodgers in 2024, San Diego came out with eight wins, the most by any team against LA in 2024.

For San Diego, hitting comes first. Despite losing Juan Soto last offseason, the core of Tatis, Machado, Merrill and others has made up for the loss. However, when it comes to pitching, the pair of teams were very similar this season, with just 0.04 of a point seperating their combined ERA figures.

In the series opener, both teams showed tremendous offensive poise. Given the experience against LA for San Diego pitcher Yu Darvish, expect San Diego to even the series on Sunday.

Run Line: +1.5 -185

Total Runs: O 8 -115

Prediction: San Diego W, 10-7