The San Diego defeated the New York Mets to win Game 3 of the Wild Card Series to advance for a matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series, which begins Tuesday at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers set a franchise record with 111 wins that also earned them home-field advantage through the World Series. Heading into this past weekend, the Dodgers knew their NLDS opponent would be either the Mets or Padres, and it was possible the identity would be known as soon as Saturday.
How it the Wild Card Series was going to unfold didn’t impact the Dodgers’ preparation as they held intrasquad games on three consecutive days.
The Dodgers will conduct another NLDS workout on Monday that may include more live pitching for the likes of Gavin Lux, Chris Taylor and others looking to get at-bats before the playoffs begin.
Manager Dave Roberts stopped short of saying the Dodgers had a preference with the outcome from the Wild Card Series, but did acknowledge the Padres and Mets needing all three games was an advantage gained.
First pitch for Game 1 of the NLDS is set for 6:37 p.m. PT on Tuesday. Game 2 also is at Dodger Stadium, with a 5:37 p.m. start time.
The NLDS will shift to Petco Park for Game 3 on Friday. If necessary, the Padres would also host Game 4 of the NLDS. If the teams are still tied through that point, the NLDS would return to Dodger Stadium for a winner-take-all Game 5 on Sunday, October 16.
The Dodgers went 14-5 against the Padres this season, never lost a series and outscored them 109-47 in those matchups.
Clayton Kershaw and Julio Urías are due to start the first two games of the NLDS in a yet-to-be-revealed order. The Padres are likely to counter with Mike Clevinger in Game 1.
NLDS schedule: Padres vs. Dodgers start times & how to watch
Game 1: Tuesday, Oct. 11, 6:37 p.m. PT (FS1)
Game 2: Wednesday, Oct. 12, 5:37 p.m. PT (FS1)
Game 3: Friday, Oct. 14 (FS1)
Game 4*: Saturday, Oct. 15 (FS1)
Game 5*: Sunday, Oct. 16 (FS1)
*if necessary
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