Dodgers vs. Padres: NLDS game 4 predictions, odds and picks — Oct 9, MLB 2024

The Los Angeles Dodgers nearly completed a major comeback in Game 2, but the San Diego Padres survived to take a 2-1 lead. With another home matchup tonight, they are on the brink of eliminating their rivals and moving on to the NLCS.

The Dodgers, reeling from their two consecutive losses, face elimination in this game. The team with the best record in baseball now has its back against the wall.

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Dodgers vs. Padres recent form and records

The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the postseason, winning five in a row and eight of 10. Those good vibes have all but vanished.

The San Diego Padres entered the postseason also on a bit of a high. They lost Game 162 but had won seven of nine before that. They swept the Atlanta Braves and are 4-1 in the playoffs so far.

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Players to Watch

Starting Pitchers

Dylan Cease (0-0, 13.50 ERA, 5 SO in the playoffs) vs. TBD

The Los Angeles Dodgers have not yet determined their starter. Their options are limited. Yoshinobu Yamamoto could pitch after starting Game 1, but that's on short rest, especially for a pitcher who has traditionally been a part of six-man rotations. There may be a bullpen day in store.

Dylan Cease will get the start tonight (Imagn)

Dylan Cease had a 1.07 WHIP and 224 strikeouts in 189.1 regular season innings.

Last start: (playoffs) 3.1 innings, six hits, five earned runs, two walks, five strikeouts.

Career vs. Dodgers: 1-1 with a 2.68 ERA and 28 strikeouts in four appearances (regular season).

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Must-watch hitters

Padres

Fernando Tatis Jr. has an OPS over 2.000 in the playoffs. He has obliterated all pitching this year, including that of the Dodgers. He is red-hot and shows no signs of slowing down.

Luis Arraez has five hits in the five postseason games. The leadoff batter has done a good job getting on base for Tatis, and he could continue that trend tonight.

Dodgers

Teoscar Hernandez nearly flipped the game on its head last night. His grand slam cut the deficit to one run in third innings, though the Dodgers couldn't continue the momentum.

Teoscar Hernandez is a player to watch (Imagn)

Shohei Ohtani has three hits, including a home run, in his first three postseason games. The moment hasn't been too big, so look out for him tonight.

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Dodgers vs. Padres Baseball Betting Odds

Moneyline	Run Spread	Total Runs
Dodgers +125	Dodgers +1.5	Over 8 -120
Padres -150	Padres -1.5	Under 8 -120

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Dodgers vs. Padres Expert Predictions

Pitching has hardly mattered in these games, as the two teams have combined for double-digit runs scored in every single game. However, Dylan Cease provides a difficult matchup. The Dodgers can counter with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but they might not be able to.

That gives the Padres an edge, plus they're hot right now. They have hit well in all three games. At home, they will look to close out their hated rivals.

Run Spread: -1.5

Total Runs: Over 8

Prediction: Padres 5, Dodgers 4