Those into MLB betting are in for a treat because Game 5 is happening as the Los Angeles Dodgers beats the San Diego Padres. The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are set for a thrilling winner-take-all Game 5 in their NLDS matchup. The Dodgers forced this decisive game with a commanding 8-0 victory at Petco Park on Wednesday. San Diego missed their chance to advance to the NLCS, and now both teams will face off at Dodger Stadium on Friday. For those interested in payperhead services, this high-stakes game presents an exciting opportunity for baseball betting strategies.
The winner of Game 5 will advance to face the Mets in the NLCS. New York secured their spot by eliminating the NL East-winning Phillies in Game 4. While the Mets’ opponent is yet to be determined, they know their NLCS journey will begin in California. The NLCS is scheduled to start on Sunday.
Los Angeles Dodgers Beats the San Diego Padres
In a surprising move, the Padres opted to start Dylan Cease on short rest for Game 4, rather than going with a bullpen game or veteran lefty Martín Pérez. Cease, who had thrown 3 1/3 innings and 82 pitches in Game 1, struggled in his first career start on short rest. He faced 10 batters, recording only five outs while allowing three runs on four hits and a walk. Three of these hits came with two strikes, a detail that bookies might note for future player prop bet predictions. Your Bookie PPH software will handle the lines, you will just need to manage it.
Mookie Betts opened the scoring for the Dodgers with a home run off Cease in the first inning, marking his second consecutive game with a first-inning homer. This blast effectively ended Betts’ postseason slump, transforming him from a struggling batter to one of the Dodgers’ hottest hitters at a crucial moment.
The Dodgers’ decision to use a bullpen game proved successful, despite having several starting pitchers on the injured list. With only three clear-cut starters available – Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Jack Flaherty, and Walker Buehler – and rookie Landon Knack as a potential fourth, Los Angeles took a risk that paid off.
What To Expect on Game 5
Looking ahead to Game 5 on Friday, we can expect to see Yu Darvish and Yoshinobu Yamamoto as the likely starting pitchers. However, given the high stakes, both teams will have all options on the table. Don’t be surprised to see relievers like Michael King on his between-starts throw day, or Jack Flaherty making an appearance on normal rest after his Game 2 start.
One key factor to watch is the status of Freddie Freeman, who missed Game 4 due to a sprained right ankle. With Thursday’s off-day to recover, his potential return for Game 5 could significantly impact the game’s outcome. As this series reaches its climax, fans and bettors alike are in for an exciting finale. That means bettors have to make sure to use their best baseball betting strategies to get the highest chance to win big this postseason.