Padres vs. Dodgers: Game 3 predictions, odds and picks — Sept. 26, MLB 2024

Shohei Ohtani's two clutch runs batted in gave the Dodgers series parity against rivals San Diego Padres. Thursday's game thus becomes crucial in the context of the division title, with San Diego hot on the heels of the home team. The Padres have dominated the Dodgers all season, winning eight of the 12 games.

Padres vs. Dodgers recent form and records

The Padres have won eight of their last 10 games, including series wins against the San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox. Other results on Wednesday meant there will be playoff action in San Diego this season.

The Dodgers have an almost similar result over their last 10, winning seven games. Los Angeles would also want to consolidate on the slender 0.5 games over the Philadelphia Phillies for the best record in the National League that will give them home advantage for the postseason.

Players to Watch

Starting pitchers

Joe Musgrove (6-5, 3.95 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 95 SO) vs. Walker Buehler (1-6, 5.63 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 63 SO)

Barring one start against the Giants, Musgrove hasn't earned any runs in 18.0 innings in September.

Last Start: vs. the White Sox — 6.0 innings pitched, four hits, nine strikeouts

Career vs. Dodgers: 0-7, 4.48 ERA, 62 strikeouts in 12 appearances

Buehler has had a forgetful season so far but will be aiming to end the regular season on a high.

Last Start: vs. the Rockies — 5.1 innings pitched, five hits, four earned runs, one walk, nine strikeouts

Career vs. Padres: 6-1, 1.80 ERA, 78 strikeouts in 11 appearances

Must Watch Hitters

Padres

Fernando Tatis Jr. went yard once again on Wednesday, taking his tally to seven home runs in 13 games. Luis Arraez hasn't reached base in this series but is still hitting at .348 in September.

Dodgers

Ohtani's dream run continues as the designated hitter drove in his 26th and 27 RBIs in September, along with his 56th stolen base for the season. Teoscar Hernandez is batting at .322 for the month of September.

Padres vs. Dodgers odds

Moneyline	Runline	Total Runs
Padres +100	Padres -1.5 (+165)	Padres O 8.5 (-110)
Dodgers -120	Dodgers +1.5 (-200)	Dodgers U 8.5 (-110)

Padres vs. Dodgers expert picks and prediction

Dodger Stadium gave a thunderous applause as Michael Kopech closed out the game on Wednesday. Such a win will lift their spirits, and there is expected to be similar support for the Dodgers for the finale. But Buehler's numbers will be tested against a hot San Diego lineup hitting at .261 in the last 10. However, LA will also be happy looking at Musgrove's stats against them.

Runline: Over 1.5

Total Runs: Under 8.5

Prediction: Dodgers 5, Padres 3