Dodgers 3, Padres 2 at Dodger Stadium tightens the NL West race as LA ties San Diego for first. Clayton Kershaw delivered a vintage, six-inning gem, supported by crisp defense and a bullpen that finally held a late lead. LA capitalized on offense from Ohtani and Betts, with Teoscar Hernandez adding a crucial insurance homer in the seventh. The win comes despite Max Muncy being placed on the injured list with an oblique strain, and a Padres bullpen game after Michael King’s shoulder issue.

Defensive plays—from Freeman, Freeland, and Kershaw on grounders to the infield help that kept San Diego quiet—were as decisive as any hit. Laureano’s deadline splash for the Padres provided early spark, but LA answered in kind, exorcising recent demons and reclaiming the top spot in the division. It was a high-intensity, finish-flat night that underscored why this is one of baseball’s marquee rivalries.

Los Angeles Dodgers topple into sole possession of first place in the NL West, erasing a four-game skid with a 3-2 win over San Diego in the series opener. Clayton Kershaw delivered six sturdy innings, allowing two hits and one run, while the bullpen faced another late-inning scare before shutting the door. The Dodgers rode an early third-inning rally and a Teoscar Hernandez homer in the seventh to pull ahead, then leaned on a bullpen that has been scraping the bottom of the barrel for weeks due to injuries. The finish featured Alexis Diaz fanning two in relief and Jack Dreyer closing it out on Ryan O’Hearn’s fly ball, capping a win built on depth and timing. With the division still tied, LA now eyes a weekend set in which Blake Snell will clash with Dylan Cease, followed by Tyler Glasnow vs Yu Darvish. The tiebreaker against San Diego is secured with one more win, thanks to a 5-2 mark in head-to-head play this season.

The Dodgers have leaned on a deep bullpen roster to navigate August, and their willingness to deploy high-leverage relievers in high-leverage spots has become the team’s identity as injuries mount. Teoscar Hernandez added a seventh-inning homer to back Kershaw’s effort, while San Diego countered with critical bullpen work of its own and timely contact from Luis Arraez, whose sacrifice fly delivered the Padres’ run. The weekend slate will test the resilience of both clubs, as LA attempts to secure the tiebreaker and Padres aim to turn head-to-head momentum in their favor.

Betting on MLB player props can be quite profitable, especially when focusing on home run opportunities. The slate today features several intriguing matchups worth exploring. Josh Lowe of the Tampa Bay Rays is in a prime position against Tyler Anderson, a pitcher who is hitting-friendly at Angel Stadium. Meanwhile, Nick Kurtz from the Athletics looks to capitalize against debuting pitcher Cade Cavalli. Josh Naylor of the Mariners is also in form, having hit a home run recently and facing a HR-prone pitcher in Jonathan Cannon. Furthermore, Ketel Marte and Jackson Merrill are also set to shine in their respective matchups. Given the conditions of the games, placing strategic bets on these players could yield significant returns.

Jackson Merrill, the 22-year-old outfielder for the San Diego Padres, has had a remarkable start to his MLB career since being drafted in 2021. Transitioning from infield to outfield to fit into a roster featuring stars like Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts, Merrill made a significant impact during his rookie season, earning an All-Star nod, a Silver Slugger award, and a second-place finish in NL Rookie of the Year voting. In 2024, he hit .292 with an OPS of .826, smashing 24 home runs. The Padres secured his future with a nine-year, $135 million extension.

However, 2025 has seen a dip in his performance, batting .259 with an OPS of .731 and only seven home runs. Recently, he was scratched from a game against the Washington Nationals due to an illness, raising concerns about his ability to contribute as the Padres pursue postseason contention with a current record of 53-45.