The Dodgers and Padres Clash in a Crucial Game 3 of the 2024 NLDS
As the tension mounts in the 2024 National League Division Series, the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face off in a pivotal Game 3 on Tuesday night. After a thrilling Game 1 that saw the Dodgers edge out the Padres 7-5, San Diego responded emphatically in Game 2, unleashing an offensive barrage that featured six home runs in a commanding 10-2 victory. With the series now tied at one game apiece, the stakes couldn’t be higher as the teams head to San Diego for what promises to be an electrifying matchup.
Game Details and Odds
Date: Tuesday, October 8
Time: 6:08 PM PT / 9:08 PM ET
Location: Petco Park, San Diego, CA
Current Odds
| Teams | Moneyline | Runline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA Dodgers | +140 | +1.5 (-155) | O 7.5 (-120) |
| San Diego Padres | -165 | -1.5 (+130) | U 7.5 (-100) |
The Padres enter the game as a -165 favorite, while the Dodgers are listed at +140. The total runs for the game are set at 7.5, with the over slightly favored at -120. Interestingly, public betting trends show a significant lean towards the Dodgers, with 91% of the moneyline handle backing them as road underdogs.
Pitching Matchup: Buehler vs. King
In this critical Game 3, the Padres will send their burgeoning ace, Michael King, to the mound, while the Dodgers will counter with Walker Buehler, who has struggled throughout the season.
Michael King: The Rising Star
Michael King has emerged as a key player for the Padres, showcasing his talent in the postseason. In Game 1 of the Wild Card series against the Braves, King delivered a stellar performance, tossing seven shutout innings, allowing just five hits, and striking out an impressive 12 batters. This marked his ninth consecutive start in which he allowed two or fewer earned runs, solidifying his status as a formidable ace.
However, King’s history against the Dodgers has been a mixed bag. In four regular-season starts against LA, he struggled initially, giving up seven earned runs in just 8.1 innings. Yet, he rebounded in his last two outings against them, throwing 12 scoreless innings while racking up 14 strikeouts. The current Dodger lineup has faced King 98 times, managing a .235 batting average and a .779 OPS. Notably, Shohei Ohtani has been particularly effective against him, hitting three home runs in 14 at-bats.
Walker Buehler: A Season to Forget
On the other side, Walker Buehler has had a tumultuous 2024 season, marked by injuries and inconsistency. With a record of 1-6 and an ERA of 5.38, Buehler has struggled to find his rhythm. Despite his historical success against the Padres—limiting them to a .204 average and .594 OPS over 157 at-bats—his recent performances raise concerns. He managed to lower his ERA from 5.95 to 5.38 in his final three starts, but his strikeout rate plummeted to a career-low 18.6%.
Buehler’s last outing against the Padres on September 26 was somewhat encouraging, as he allowed just one run over five innings. However, his inability to generate strikeouts remains a troubling trend, especially against a potent Padres lineup that features hitters like Fernando Tatis Jr., who has a .310 average and 1.034 OPS against him.
Predictions and Betting Insights
As the Dodgers and Padres gear up for this crucial Game 3, the matchup presents intriguing betting opportunities. While the Dodgers boast a fearsome lineup, including Ohtani’s impressive track record against King, Buehler’s struggles make it difficult to confidently back him in this matchup.
Recommended Bets
- Padres Moneyline (-158) at FanDuel: Given King’s recent form and the Padres’ offensive explosion in Game 2, backing San Diego to take the lead in the series seems prudent.
- Buehler Over 2.5 Earned Runs (+105): With Buehler’s inconsistency and the Padres’ ability to hit for power, there’s a strong possibility he could allow three or more earned runs in this outing.
As the Dodgers and Padres prepare for this high-stakes showdown, fans can expect a thrilling night of baseball filled with drama, intensity, and the potential for postseason heroics.