Dodgers Padres Game One Preview

Fresh off a huge sweep of the Giants, the Dodgers and their 6.5 game lead head down to San Diego for a four-game series against the Padres.

The Dodgers and Padres have played four three-game series’ so far this year, and the Dodgers have won two of three each time. Mat Latos gets the ball in his old home ballpark to open their final series in San Diego this year.

Sep 2, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Matt Kemp (27) sticks out his tongue before crossing home plate to score in the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

We’ve written enough about how bad Latos has been as a Dodger, but we’re finally entering the part of the season where I’m expecting Latos to shine. He’s dominated the NL West in his career, and if he can give the Dodgers four or five good starts against division rivals I’m willing to forget about his first four underwhelming starts.

In his career, Latos has started four games against the Padres. He’s 0-2, but has a 2.08 ERA in 26 innings and has struck out 23 batters with only five walks against San Diego. He also has 35 career starts at Petco from his time as a Padre, and in 211 innings he has a 2.98 ERA and 202 strikeouts. Justin Upton has had 10 hits in 23 plate appearances against Latos in his career and Yonder Alonso has six very nice hits in nine plate appearances.

The Padres will send Colin Rea to the hill for his fifth career start, none of which have come against the Dodgers. Three of his starts have come at Petco, and he’s given up nine runs in 14 2/3 innings there. He’s gone more than five innings once in his first four starts, but in 18 minor league starts he had a 1.95 ERA in just over 100 innings. He’s their second best prospect on MLB.com and projects as a number three or four starter.

Corey Seager is up and hitting eighth tonight. I wrote about him earlier today here, and I’m so excited to see what he can do. If he impresses in his probably limited time over the next month, he could play his way onto the playoff roster. With him in the lineup and Jimmy Rollins on the bench, Joc Pederson moves back up to the leadoff spot. Andre Ethier is out of the lineup after fouling a ball off his knee yesterday. At least it’s not a hamstring?

Not listed there, but Yimi Garcia is on the lineup card that Alanna Rizzo tweeted. More bullpen help is always a good thing.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PST and will be shown on Sportsnet LA.