Dodgers vs. Padres prediction and odds for Friday, May 5 (Classic Clayton Kershaw)

For the first time this season we have the battle for the NL West that we’ve all hoped to see. Tonight is Game 1 of a three-game weekend set between the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers down in San Diego. The Dodgers are currently first in the West at 19-13, but the Padres are only two games back at 17-15.

Both teams are coming in hot, the Dodgers have won six straight and the Padres four of five. Game 1 is a marquee pitching matchup with Clayton Kershaw against Yu Darvish. Kershaw is 5-1 with a 1.89 ERA in six starts and Darvish comes in with a 3.60 ERA and a record of 1-2 in five outings.

Let’s get into the odds for this NL West rivalry that never disappoints.  

Dodgers vs. Padres odds, run line and total

Dodgers vs. Padres prediction and pick

It’s good timing for this matchup because the Dodgers just overtook the Diamondbacks for the top spot in the division and maybe more importantly the Padres have their stars back and playing well. This series would have missed a little something if Fernando Tatis Jr. was still suspended or if Juan Soto was still struggling, but Tatis is back and so is the best version of Soto. 

In the last seven days, Soto has four doubles and a homer with an OPS of 1.522 which is the best stretch he’s had since joining the Padres. That is giving their lineup a lot of depth however, Kershaw will likely neutralize that because for the year, Soto has an OPS of .450 against lefties. 

Kershaw will also shut down the Padres because that’s what he’s done to every lineup he’s faced this season. He hasn’t gone fewer than six innings in a start and has two scoreless outings, two more allowing just one run, and his worst start was four runs on seven hits across six innings against the Diamondbacks. 

The Dodgers not only have Kershaw, but they have Max Muncy the league’s home run leader who just hit his 12th of the season, a walk-off grand slam against the Phillies on Wednesday. I picked the Padres to unseat the Dodgers as the division champs before the season, but we’re a month in, the Dodgers are in first, and I think I need to see it to believe it. I’m taking the Dodgers in Game 1. 

Follow all Josh Yourish’s bets HERE

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change