Dodgers Rely on Walker Buehler, Padres Bounce Back with Commanding Win
Los Angeles Dodgers Rely on Walker Buehler; Padres Bounce Back with Commanding Win
The stage is set for an exciting Game 3 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) as the Los Angeles Dodgers (1-1) prepare to face off against the San Diego Padres (3-1) on Tuesday evening. After a thrilling first game that saw the Dodgers rally from a 3-0 deficit to win 7-5, the Padres responded emphatically with a 10-2 victory in Game 2. With the series tied, both teams are eager to seize control.
Dodgers Lean on Buehler for Stability
For the pivotal Game 3, the Dodgers will turn to their ace, Walker Buehler, who looks to reclaim his form after a challenging season. Buehler, who missed the entirety of the previous year due to an elbow injury, showcased flashes of brilliance in his last outing against the Padres, allowing just one run in five innings. However, this season has been a struggle for the veteran right-hander, posting a 5.38 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP, along with a disappointing 1-6 record across 75.1 innings. Despite these challenges, Buehler boasts an impressive career 1.80 ERA against the Padres, amassing a 6-1 record in 75 innings.
The Dodgers will be looking for a significant offensive rebound after a lackluster performance in Game 2, where they managed only five hits. Throughout the series, they have struggled with runners in scoring position, hitting just .200 (4 for 20). With Buehler’s recent inconsistency, the Los Angeles offense must step up to provide him with ample run support.
Shohei Ohtani made headlines with a strong postseason debut in Game 1, collecting two hits and three RBIs, but he went quiet in Game 2, finishing 0 for 4. During the regular season, Ohtani posted an impressive .922 OPS against San Diego and has a solid history against Padres starter Michael King, with four career RBIs against him. Max Muncy, though struggling at 2 for 10 in the series, has a .873 OPS against King and will look to find his rhythm in this crucial game.
In the regular season, the Dodgers averaged 5.20 runs per game, placing them second in MLB, while their pitching staff recorded a 3.90 ERA, ranking 13th overall.
Padres Bounce Back with Commanding Game 2 Win
On the mound for the Padres is Michael King, who has emerged as a key player for San Diego this postseason. King turned in a stellar performance in his wildcard outing against the Braves, tossing seven scoreless innings. This season, he has posted a remarkable 2.95 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP, complemented by a solid 13-9 record over 173.2 innings. Against the Dodgers this year, he has allowed 11 runs (seven earned) in 20 innings, but overall, he maintains an impressive 2.82 ERA and a 2-0 record in 22.1 career innings against the Los Angeles squad.
The Padres’ offensive prowess has been on full display this postseason, scoring at least five runs in three of their four playoff games. They’ve demonstrated significant firepower, with a staggering 10 home runs already in the postseason, and scored 15 runs in the first two games of this series alone. Although they are 4 for 18 with runners in scoring position during this series, they have consistently found ways to produce runs when it matters most.
A highlight for the Padres has been the emergence of Jackson Merrill, who has a robust .840 OPS against the Dodgers in the regular season. Alongside Fernando Tatis Jr., who leads the team with five RBIs, Merrill boasts a remarkable 1.36 OPS in the postseason. Additionally, Kyle Higashioka has provided an unexpected boost, contributing a hit in every playoff game and tallying three home runs and four RBIs with a dazzling 1.6 OPS.
In the regular season, the Padres averaged 4.69 runs per game, ranking them eighth overall, while their pitching staff posted a 3.86 ERA, putting them in 12th place.
Conclusion
As the Dodgers and Padres gear up for Game 3, the stakes are higher than ever. With Walker Buehler tasked with leading Los Angeles and Michael King poised to continue his dominant postseason form for San Diego, fans can expect a fierce battle on the diamond. The outcome of this game could very well determine the trajectory of the series, making it a must-watch event for baseball enthusiasts. Tune in to see which team will take the crucial lead in the NLDS!
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