The San Diego Padres head to Dodger Stadium for a marquee NL West matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, August 16, 2025. First pitch is set for 9:10 PM ET, and with both teams chasing postseason positioning, every inning matters in this high-stakes rivalry.
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Team Analysis
San Diego Padres
The Padres have been leaning on a potent lineup featuring Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts to carry the offensive load. San Diego’s lineup depth has improved thanks to emerging bats like Jackson Merrill, giving them a dangerous mix of speed and power. The bullpen, anchored by Robert Suarez, has been solid in closing out tight games.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers remain one of baseball’s most balanced teams, with Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman leading the charge. Shohei Ohtani’s power bat adds a new dimension to the lineup, while Will Smith continues to be one of the most productive catchers in the league. Los Angeles pairs its elite offense with strong pitching depth, making them a perennial contender.
Recent Form
- Padres: 6-4 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.6 runs per game.
- Dodgers: 8-2 in their last 10 games, averaging 5.1 runs per game.
Pitching Matchup
| Team | Pitcher | Hand | W-L | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Padres | Dylan Cease | RHP | 8-8 | 3.72 |
| Dodgers | Blake Snell | LHP | 10-5 | 3.15 |
Dylan Cease (SD) – Cease brings swing-and-miss stuff with his electric fastball-slider combo. Command can be an issue, but when locked in, he can dominate even elite lineups.
Blake Snell (LAD) – Snell’s dominance comes from his ability to miss bats and limit hard contact. He’s been especially tough at Dodger Stadium, where his breaking pitches play up.
Key Players to Watch
- SD: Fernando Tatis Jr. – Dynamic talent with power, speed, and defensive range.
- SD: Manny Machado – Veteran slugger who thrives in pressure situations.
- LAD: Mookie Betts – Consistent leadoff presence with all-around skills.
- LAD: Shohei Ohtani – Power threat capable of changing the game in one swing.
Prediction
This game shapes up as a pitcher’s duel early, but the Dodgers’ lineup depth and recent hot streak could give them the edge in the later innings. Cease will need to limit walks to avoid trouble against this high-powered offense.
Final Score Prediction: Dodgers 5, Padres 3
Best Bets
- Dodgers Moneyline – LA has the pitching edge at home.
- Over 8 Runs – Late offense could push the total over.
- Shohei Ohtani to Record an RBI – Always a threat with runners in scoring position.
