The Dodgers and Padres Meet in a Huge Game 3 of the 2024 NLDS
As the 2024 National League Division Series heats up, the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in a pivotal Game 3 matchup on Tuesday night. With the series tied at 1-1, both teams are eager to seize the momentum as they head to San Diego’s Petco Park for what promises to be an electrifying encounter. First pitch is set for 6:08 PM PT / 9:08 PM ET, and fans are gearing up for a showdown that could tilt the series in either direction.
Recap of the Series So Far
The Padres bounced back in Game 2 with a resounding 10-2 victory, showcasing their offensive prowess by launching six home runs. This offensive explosion was spearheaded by Fernando Tatis Jr., who hit two of those long balls, reminding everyone of his game-changing abilities. The win not only leveled the series but also boosted San Diego’s confidence as they return home, where they have a solid 46-35 record on the road this season.
In contrast, the Dodgers took Game 1 with a narrow 7-5 victory, relying on their deep lineup and clutch hitting. However, the loss in Game 2 raised questions about their pitching depth, particularly with Walker Buehler struggling to find his form.
Game 3 Odds and Betting Insights
As the teams prepare for Game 3, the odds reflect the competitive nature of this matchup. The Padres are favored at -165 on the moneyline, while the Dodgers sit at +140. The run total is 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.
Current Odds:
- LA Dodgers: Moneyline +140, Runline +1.5 (-155), Total O 7.5 (-120)
- San Diego Padres: Moneyline -165, Runline -1.5 (+130), Total U 7.5 (-100)
These odds indicate a tight contest, with the Padres looking to capitalize on their home-field advantage and the Dodgers aiming to reclaim control of the series.
Pitching Matchup: Buehler vs. King
The spotlight in Game 3 will be on the starting pitchers: Walker Buehler for the Dodgers and Michael King for the Padres.
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, where he has limited them to a .204 average over 157 at-bats, his recent performances have raised concerns. In his last outing against San Diego on September 26, he allowed just one run over five innings but managed only one strikeout, reflecting a troubling trend of a career-low 18.6% strikeout rate this season.
Michael King, on the other hand, has emerged as a burgeoning ace for the Padres. With a record of 13-9 and an impressive 2.95 ERA, King has been a reliable force on the mound. His postseason performance has been stellar, highlighted by a dominant seven-inning shutout against the Braves in the Wild Card series. King has shown flashes of brilliance against the Dodgers, with a mixed bag of results in their previous matchups. While he struggled early in the season against them, his recent outings have been nothing short of spectacular, allowing zero earned runs in his last two starts against LA.
Key Players to Watch
For the Padres, Fernando Tatis Jr. is the player to watch. His ability to change the game with one swing was on full display in Game 2, and he will be looking to continue that momentum. Additionally, Juan Soto and Manny Machado are crucial components of the Padres’ lineup, capable of delivering clutch hits in high-pressure situations.
On the Dodgers’ side, Shohei Ohtani remains a key figure. His impressive track record against King, including three home runs in 14 at-bats, makes him a constant threat. Other notable players like Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts will also need to step up to support Buehler and provide the offensive firepower necessary to secure a win.
Predictions and Betting Picks
Given the current form of both pitchers, the Padres appear to have the upper hand with King on the mound. While the Dodgers have a potent lineup, Buehler’s struggles make it difficult to bet against the Padres in this matchup.
Recommended Bets:
- Padres Moneyline (-158) at FanDuel: With King’s recent performances and the Padres’ home advantage, this bet seems favorable.
- Buehler Over 2.5 Earned Runs (+105): Given Buehler’s inconsistency and the Padres’ explosive offense, this prop bet could yield positive returns.
As the Dodgers and Padres gear up for this crucial Game 3, fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with drama, intensity, and the high stakes that come with playoff baseball.