Takeaways from Padres-Dodgers NLDS Game 1: Dodgers offense overcomes poor SP, Padres mistakes come back to haunt

Led by Shohei Ohtani’s first postseason home run and strong bullpen performance, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the rival San Diego Padres, 7-5, on Saturday, taking Game 1 of the best-of-five National League Divisional Series matchup. 

Here are three takeaways from the action. 

Dodgers may have to out-hit pitching issues to get by Padres

The Dodgers offense was able to overcome two multiple-run deficits following a poor outing from starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Saturday. It’s a feat L.A. will likely have to duplicate throughout the NLDS, as they are already without several injured starters, including Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw. 

Jack Flaherty will take the mound for Game 2 and while experienced, hasn’t fared well in the postseason, going 1-3 in four starts with the Cardinals while allowing nine earned runs over 23 innings. Conversely, the Padres will give the ball to veteran Yu Darvish, who’s pitched six or more innings in four of his last five postseason starts (2-2, 2.83 ERA, 32 innings). Darvish went 1-0 while sporting a 1.72 ERA in three outings against the Dodgers during the regular season. 

L.A. bullpen picked up the slack in Game 1

The Dodgers offense, scoring seven runs, certainly contributed to Saturday’s victory, led by Shohei Ohtani, who homered in his postseason debut, finishing 2-of-5 with three RBI. But L.A.’s bullpen may have been the unsung hero. 

Yamamoto lasted only three innings, allowing five earned runs off five hits. While things looked bleak, the combination of Ryan Brasier, Alex Vesia, Evan Phillips, Michael Kopech, Blake Treinen shut down the Padres over the remainder of the game.

The Dodgers used five relievers in Game 1, which might spell trouble for Game 2. But the Padres are in the same boat, having also used five pitchers out of the pen because starter Dylan Cease failed to get out of the fourth inning after allowing six hits and three earned runs. 

Padres beat themselves with self-inflicted errors

The Padres had the lead several times in Game 1, going up 3-0 in the first inning and 5-3 in the third. Yet, they let one slip away by essentially beating themselves. 

In the fourth inning, manager Mike Shildt made the controversial decision to intentionally walk Mookie Betts with two strikes after a Morejon wild pitch with the bases loaded cut the Padres lead to one, 5-4. Two batters later, Teoscar Hernandez singled to right, plating two runners, including Betts. 

An inning later, Manny Machado made a throwing error on a routine ground ball, putting Will Smith on second base. Once again, two batters later, the Dodgers capitalized, scoring Smith on fielders’ choice. 

In a 7-5 decision, those three runs ultimately made the difference.