With the Major League Baseball postseason frenzy peaking, it is the time to look at Game 4 of the National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. With the games in the series standing at 2 to 1 in favor of the Padres, the game could turn out to be a watershed. The game itself is due to be played on Wednesday and it carries with it the burden of plans and intrigue. This matchup is paramount for those following baseball best free picks as it could change the balance of forces in the series.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres 10/9/24 Game Info and Odds |
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| When: | Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 9:08 PM ET |
| Where: | Petco Park |
| Watch: | FS1, ESPN, MLB.TV |
| Dodgers odds: | -111 Moneyline |
| Padres odds: | -106 Moneyline |
| Total Line: | 8.5 |
Los Angeles Dodgers (98-64) vs. San Diego Padres (93-69)
The Dodgers, despite a stronger regular-season record, are on the brink, needing a win to stay in the playoffs. Their recent form includes a mixed bag of results, highlighted by two wins against Cleveland but marred by a significant 2-10 loss to the Padres in their last game. This series has exposed their vulnerability, particularly in away games, where their usual reliance on power hitting has not consistently delivered results.
| Los Angeles Dodgers Last 5 Games | |||
| Date | Opponent | Score | SU |
| Oct 6, 2024 | SD | 2-10 | Lose |
| Oct 5, 2024 | SD | 7-5 | Win |
| Sep 29, 2024 | COL | 2-1 | Win |
| Sep 28, 2024 | COL | 13-2 | Win |
| Sep 27, 2024 | COL | 11-4 | Win |
In contrast, the Padres have been formidable at home, boasting a perfect seven-game win streak at Petco Park. Their momentum, highlighted by a commanding 10-2 victory against the Dodgers, is underscored by a resilient series against the Mets, where they secured 1 win despite 2 defeats. This ability to bounce back at home could be pivotal in advancing to the next round.
| San Diego Padres Last 5 Games | |||
| Date | Opponent | Score | SU |
| Oct 6, 2024 | LA | 10-2 | Win |
| Oct 5, 2024 | LA | 5-7 | Lose |
| Oct 2, 2024 | ATL | 5-4 | Win |
| Oct 1, 2024 | ATL | 4-0 | Win |
| Sep 29, 2024 | ARI | 2-11 | Lose |
Landon Knack (3-5, 3.65 ERA) vs. Dylan Cease (14-11, 3.47 ERA)
Landon Knack enters the game relying on statistics that are less than ideal for regular season. However, it may be crucial for him to walk and concede home runs in tight games. In that respect, Knack’s approach will most probably be used to deal with the Padres’ powerful offensive tool, demanding that he use a fastball-slide combination effectively to remain competitive against the Dodgers.
The other way around, thanks to his season in which there were a lot of strikeouts and a good ERA, Dylan Cease can remain calm even in pressure situations. His ability to throw hard fastballs and break balls on target will be very important in breaking the Dodgers’ hitting trump card and thus may raise the chances of the Padres winning the series over the Dodgers at home.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (+149), Total Odds: 8.5
Judging from the current betting odds, this should be a tightly contested battle with the slightest of advantages tilting towards the Padres, being the home team and having a better recent record against the Dodgers in this matchup. It is easy to see that the over has also been a feature in the last games of both teams indicating on the likelihood of a high scoring battle this evening.
Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Trends
The Dodgers are resilient as they bounce back from losses and record 6-2 SU in the last 8 games. Their struggle comes in against the Padres in San Diego where they have a dismal 1-5 SU record in their last 6. This trend highlights their weaknesses in beating the strategy employed by the Padres and dominating home crowds.
San Diego Padres Betting Trends
San Diego has made it look easy so far against the opposition at home, as their SU record of 7-0 at Petco Park during their last made games shows. They are composed and can handle the pressure of the game, especially the critical ones, and this makes them tough foes. The trend of scoring profusely also rings true as the total went OVER in 5 of their last 6 games, and thus their attacking prowess is apparent.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres 10/9/24 Betting Picks
Taking into account both the form and the trends of both teams, the betting prediction on the game suggests that the Padres will take advantage of this situation and win the match. Their regular scoring and strong pitching make them the team to beat in this series.
Given the tendencies and the importance of this game, it would make sense to place a wager that the Padres will win this game. Also, since it has been an offensive affair for both teams lately, it would be wise to bet on the OVER on 8.5 total runs. For those who are into premium sports picks, prop betting Dylan Cease for over strikeouts could be beneficial.