Dodgers vs. Padres: NLDS Game 5 predictions, odds and picks — Oct. 11, MLB 2024

On Friday, fans in the NL West will get the matchup they have been waiting for as the Padres and Dodgers square off in a winner-take-all Game 5. As the rivalry between the two clubs reaches a fever pitch, we are here to keep you updated on everything to expect in Game 5.

LA stayed alive in Game 4, thrashing San Diego 8-0. With the series heading back to LA, Ohtani and company will be seeking to keep their dream season alive. First pitch is scheduled at 5:08 pm PT from Dodger Stadium.

"Dodgers announce that Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start Game 5. Yu Darvish is pitching for the Padres" - Talkin' Baseball

Padres vs Dodgers recent form and records

On account of their 93-69 regular season record, the Padres qualified in the top NL Wild Card berth, and made quick work of the Atlanta Braves in the first round. In franchise history, San Diego is 1-3 in elimination postseason Game 5 matchups.

After going out and compiling one of the best rosters in modern history, the Dodgers put up an MLB-best 98 wins in the 2024 regular season. 52-29 at home during the regular season, LA went 8-2 in their final 10 regular season games.

Players to Watch

Starting Pitchers

SD: Yu Darvish (7-3, 3.31 ERA) vs LAD: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (7-2, 3.00 ERA)

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

Last Start: Win, 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K vs LAD

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

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

Last Start: ND, 3 IP, 5 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 K vs SD

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

Must-Watch Hitters

San Diego

The 1.759 OPS logged thus far by Fernando Tatis Jr. is the highest in the 2024 postseason. Having also contributed with 4 home runs and 7 RBIs, Tatis Jr. has also scored 8 runs, more than any other player in the postseason.

"FERNANDO TATIS JR. #NLDS" - MLN

Catcher Kyle Higashioka has been playing a crucial role for San Diego both offensively and defensively. A member of the Padres since coming over from the New York Yankees in the Juan Soto deal, Higashioka has 3 homers and 5 RBIs this postseason.

Los Angeles

Game 4 of the NLDS saw Mookie Betts slam his sixth career postseason homer. A career .252 hitter in October, the former Boston Red Sox MVP brings a career .310 batting average against San Diego into the must-win Game 5.

"MOOKIE BETTS GOES YARD IN THE FIRST INNING (via @MLB)" - SportsCenter

A .333 hitter so far this postseason, the 6 RBIs recorded by LA outfielder Teoscar Hernandez leads his club. A former Silver Slugger, Hernandez hit a Grand Slam in Game 3, and has a career .920 postseason OPS.

The pivotal Game 5 will also be a test of Shohei Ohtani, who signed a 10-year, $700 million deal with LA in the offseason. A .250 hitter in the series, Ohtani's seven strikeouts leads the club. If the Dodgers want to advance to the NLCS for the first time since 2020, then the Japanese superstar will need to play a big role.

Padres vs Dodgers baseball betting odds

Friday 11/10	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

Coming into the NLCS, many believed that the Dodgers would be able to make relatively quick work of the Padres. However, that has not been the case.

San Diego has outperformed LA from home runs to runs scored to batting average this series. While names like Fernando Tatis steal the show, Ohtani has been a bit quiet.

When it comes to pitching, the realities lean in the favor of San Diego. Yu Darvish tossed seven near-perfect innings in his last outing against LA, while Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto has struggled to a career 12.00 ERA against the Friars.

The star-studded nature of LA's offense means that anything is possible. However, judging by how the two teams have stacked up against each other thus far in the NLDS, the series appears to be San Diego's to win.

Run Line: +1.5 -185

Total Runs: O 8 -115

Prediction: San Diego W, 12-8