Dodgers vs. Padres: NLDS Game 3 predictions, odds and picks — Oct 8, MLB 2024

On Tuesday, the LA Dodgers will play their first away game of the MLB postseason against the San Diego Padres. After trading wins in the first two games of the NLDS, both clubs will seek to get ahead with a win in Game 3.

After LA's 7-5 win in Game 1, San Diego came out swinging for Game 2. Four different members of the Friars homered, with two jacks coming off of the bat of Fernando Tatis Jr.

Tuesday's game is slated for 6:08 pm ET.

"Fernando Tatis Jr. is basking in the boos at Dodger Stadium #NLDS" - MLB

Dodgers vs Padres recent form and records

With 98 wins in the regular season, the Dodgers edged out the Philadelphia Phillies for the best record in the NL. 8-2 to finish the last 10 games of the regular season, Los Angeles' 46 road wins were tied with Milwaukee this season for the most in the NL.

Although they finished five games behind the Dodgers in the NL West, the Padres' 93-69 record was enough for them to enter the postseason as the first Wild Card. After making quick work of the Atlanta Braves in a three-game set, manager Mike Schildt's team has turned their attention to their cross-state rivals.

Players to Watch

Starting Pitchers

LAD: Walker Buehler (1-6, 5.38 ERA) vs SD: Michael King (13-9, 2.95 ERA)

Buehler has a 1.553 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 64 K in 75.1 IP.

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

Career vs SD: 6-1 1.80 ERA (75 IP, 15 ER) 9 HR in 12 games

King has a 1.192 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 201 K in 173.2 IP.

Last Start: Win, 7 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 12 K vs ATL

Career vs LAD: 2-0 2.82 ERA (22.1 IP, 7 ER) 7 HR in 5 games

Must-Watch Hitters

Los Angeles

Although he was kept off the board in his second career postseason game, fans should watch Shohei Ohtani in Game 3. Against Padres starter Michael King, Ohtani is 6-for-14 with 3 homers and 4 RBIs in his career against the right-hander.

Max Muncy's late solo shot did not affect the outcome of Game 2 but showed that the third baseman is in postseason form. In 48 career postseason games, Muncy has hit 11 home runs, 30 RBIs, and has an OPS of .858.

"MAX MUNCY HOME RUN WITH THE DODGERS DOWN TO THEIR FINAL OUT" - Talkin' Baseball

San Diego

Fernando Tatis' two home runs helped ensure the Padres' 10-2 win in Game 2. Since coming off the IL in September, the Dominican slugger hit .268 with 7 homers and 13 RBIs in the final 17 games of the regular season.

"Fernando Tatis Jr. is 7-for-11 with a double, two home runs and three walks in four games so far this postseason. That's a .636 batting average and 1.987 OPS" - Talkin' Baseball

Catcher Kyle Higashioka came to San Diego via the December 2023 Juan Soto trade with the New York Yankees. This October, Higashioka is proving his postseason worth with 3 homers and 4 RBIs in 4 games.

Game 2 of the series saw 21-year-old Jackson Merrill hit his first career playoff home run. An electric rookie who hit 24 homers and 90 RBIs in the regular season, Merrill's career average against LA is .348.

Dodgers vs Padres baseball betting odds

Tuesday 8/10	Money Line	Run Spread	Total Runs
Los Angeles Dodgers	+ 125	+ 1.5 -175	O 7.5 -120
San Diego Padres	- 150	- 1.5 +145	U 7.5 +100

Dodgers vs Padres expert picks and game prediction

As is the case with most series between two highly skilled teams, making predictions can often become a losing battle. Although the Dodgers scored more runs during the season, the ten packed on by San Diego told a different story.

The difference maker on Tuesday may be pitching. Dodgers starter Walker Buehler had a season marred by injury but performed decently in his final outing of the regular season, which came against San Diego.

However, Padres starter Michael King may have the edge. In the Wild Card round, King tossed seven shutout innings against the Atlanta Braves and has a career 2.82 ERA against LA. Shohei Ohtani's positive numbers against King may help his team, but San Diego looks to be ahead in the impending pitching duel.

Run Line: -1.5 -145

Total Runs: O 7.5 -120

Prediction: San Diego W, 6-4