Padres vs. Dodgers Prediction and Odds for NLDS Game 2 (Expect Pitcher's Duel on Wednesday)

The Los Angeles Dodgers jumped on San Diego Padres starter Mike Clevinger early in Game 1 of the NLDS, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series heading into Wednesday’s Game 2. 

Clayton Kershaw (12-3, 2.28 ERA) looks to prove that he can still be a dominant pitcher in the postseason in Game 2 for the Dodgers. Kershaw has historically been worse in the playoffs (4.19 ERA in 37 outings), but it’s possible that 2020’s World Series run has helped him exorcize some of those demons. 

Padres ace Yu Darvish (16-8, 3.10 ERA) gets the ball after tossing seven innings of one-run ball against the New York Mets in the wild card round. 

The Padres went just 5-14 in the regular season against the Dodgers, so they’ll need to really play their best baseball over the next few games to have a shot in this series. 

Here are the odds for Game 2: 

Padres vs. Dodgers Odds, Run Line and Total

Padres vs. Dodgers Prediction and Pick

The Dodgers scored five quick runs in Game 1, behind a pair of hits from shortstop Trea Turner, giving Julio Urias plenty of cushion to cruise to a win. 

Things won’t come as easy against Darivsh, who pitched relatively well against the Dodgers this season. Darvish allowed seven runs across 25.0 innings (four starts) against Los Angeles this season. Five of those runs came in one game, so he really dominated in the other three outings, posting a six-inning, one-hit performance early in the season and a seven-inning, two-hit performance in his last outing against L.A. on Sept. 2. 

Kershaw made just two starts against the Padres this season, allowing one earned run in 12 innings pitched. 

Both of these starters come into this game pitching well, as Kershaw closed the regular season with a 1.54 ERA in his final seven starts after being activated off the injured list. Darvish, who dominated the Mets in the wild card, hasn't allowed more than three runs in a start since Aug. 13. 

With that in mind, I really like the UNDER in this game, especially at plus money. 

The Dodgers were No. 2 in MLB in bullpen ERA this season, and both of these starters could give some serious length in this game as well. After a rather average offensive game on Tuesday, even with Clevinger pitching, I think we’re due for a low-scoring battle in Game 2. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.