Los Angeles Dodgers (98-64) vs. San Diego Padres (93-69)
As the series is split equally at one apiece, the National League Division Series comes down to its most critical Game 3 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. This thrilling encounter is scheduled at Petco Park on a cold Tuesday night, which is ideal for this postseason matchup to carry on. With amazing records in the regular season for both teams, this game would most definitely draw the attention of baseball fans and bettors. This one is the mother lode for all in search of the latest MLB picks, given the tremendous rivalry and the impact of the postseason on this game.
The Dodgers offense whose unit has a batting average of .258, with 233 home runs, is capable of scoring plenty of runs and putting a lot of heat on the opposing pitchers. Though the level of swing and miss is fairly high, dependency on power hitting can backfire with an occasional pitcher who knows how to work with their weaknesses. Speaking about the pitching performance, it is generally solid with 3.9 ERA and 1.23 WHIP, though it’s been essential in close games how they perform under stress is an area that remains a concern.
On the other hand, the Padres have a marginally better batting average of .263, have hit fewer home runs but engaged in hitting and getting on base more often. This provides a well rounded approach that is useful in the post season where pitching takes over and every run counts. Their staff which has an ERA of 3.86 which is a bit lower than the Dodgers has been good but will face a challenge from the barrel heavy Dodgers lineup.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 9:08 PM ET |
| Where: | Petco Park |
| TV: | FS1, ESPN |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Walker Buehler (1-6, 5.38 ERA) vs. Michael King (13-9, 2.95 ERA)
Walker Buehler’s performance this season has not come as a surprise to many as he has managed a worrying 5.38 ERA and 1.55 WHIP in his 75.1 inning span. He has been prone to sliding in the perimeter of the diamond and has been high on the hit rates exposed, which could work against him playing for the Padres’ contact oriented squad. Buehler needs to make full use of his strike-out potential, cutting down on free passes so that the Padres aren’t handed any more chances to score than necessary.
On the other hand, Michael King has been an invaluable member of the pitching core for the Padres as King has a 2.95 ERA with 201 strikeouts in 173.2 innings. He has been successful in keeping his WHIP low and also preventing home runs. Continuing against a slugging one for the Dodgers, it will be endearingly interesting to see how King’s accuracy and command determine tempo and suppress the home run hitters of the Dodgers.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: San Diego Padres -145, Total Odds: 8
The betting odds favor the Padres slightly, reflecting their home advantage and King’s superior pitching stats compared to Buehler’s shaky season. The total over/under at 8 runs suggests anticipation of a moderately high-scoring game, likely influenced by both teams’ potent offenses and the critical nature of a Game 3 in a tied series.
Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Trends
The Dodgers have shown a trend towards high-scoring games, with the total going OVER in 5 of their last 6. Their 6-1 straight-up record in recent games indicates strong form, but their 1-4 record in recent visits to San Diego highlights specific challenges faced at Petco Park. Bettors should consider these trends when evaluating the potential for the Dodgers to overcome their road game hurdles.
San Diego Padres Betting Trends
The Padres’ recent games have also trended OVER the total, with strong performances at home (6-0 SU in the last 6 home games). Their effective gameplay against the Dodgers at Petco Park (4-1 SU in the last 5 home games against the Dodgers) adds another layer of confidence for Padres backers.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres 10/8/24 Betting Picks
As we dig into the dynamics of this matchup, the Padres’ robust home record and Michael King’s formidable pitching present a compelling case for their favoritism in this game. The Dodgers, while powerful, face significant challenges with Buehler’s current form, making them the underdogs in this scenario.
For bettors looking for actionable advice, leaning towards the Padres to take advantage of their home field and pitching superiority might be wise. Additionally, considering the consistent OVER trends for both teams, betting on a total over 8 runs could offer value. Lastly, exploring prop bets on individual player performances, particularly from Padres’ hitters who could exploit Buehler’s weaknesses, might yield profitable opportunities for those frequenting the best online casino.
