The Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres served up fireworks in Game 1 of the NLDS, ultimately putting on a strong show on both sides of the ball. Here is some key player stats you need to know as you head deeper into this fantastic series.
1. Shohei Ohtani’s Home Run Heroics
Shohei Ohtani once again proved himself to be one of the most feared hitters in the league for the third game in a row. Moreover, his early home run shifted the game’s momentum as the Dodgers took an early lead. Ohtani’s home run stats were impressive: 1 home run, 3 RBIs, and 2 hits.
His defensive play also gave the Dodgers the edge.
2. Mookie Betts Consistent Batting Performance (Dodgers)
Mookie Betts stayed a vital run-scoring bat for the Dodgers, and with timely hits, the team managed to wring runs out of the Padres’ pitching. In addition, the key statistics for Betts include 2 hits, 1 run, and 1 walk.
He also made some of those his own by patrolling the outfield, saving precious runs. Of course, that in itself makes him a threat in two aspects of the game.
3. Fernando Tatis Jr. Leads the Charge for Padres
Fernando Tatis Jr. stood tall for the Padres, reviving their offense with brilliant batting and daring base running. Additionally, the numbers for Tatis Jr. were impressive: 2 hits, 1 stolen base, and 1 run.
Tatis Jr.’s lively infield play provided a good dose of defensive strength to the Padres right where they needed it.
4. Clayton Kershaw Pitches Shutout Ball
Clayton Kershaw threw exceptionally well as part of the Los Angeles Dodgers. In addition, he did his best to push his team toward victory through precise pitching. Kershaw’s stats were solid: 3 strikeouts, 0 walks, and 7 innings pitched.
Clay Kershaw pitched the game of a lifetime on the mound, effectively short-circuiting the Padres’ scoring chances and ensuring their bats never got into any type of rhythm. Furthermore, the pitching stats for Kershaw are impressive: 7 innings, 8 strikeouts, and 2 earned runs.
He also did need his fastball to command and throw out the potential Padres’ rally late in the game.
5. Key plays by Manny Machado
Manny Machado kept the Padres in the game with his stout bat and impressive glove work. Moreover, Machado’s numbers were solid: 1 homer, 2 hits, and 2 RBIs.
His clutch defensive plays were also huge in keeping the Padres in it all night long and within striking distance of the Dodgers.
6. Joe Musgrove Provides Solid Start for Padres (Dodgers)
He may have seen the toughest order for the Dodgers, but Joe Musgrove pitched a game that kept the Padres close throughout. Joe Musgrove Pitching Lines: 6 Innings, 5 Strikeouts, 3 Earned Runs.
He can pitch out of the trouble ball if it is early with the Padres in it.
Conclusion: Dodgers vs. Padres—Battle of Stars
It will appear that Ohtani, Betts, Tatis Jr., and Machado watch as these games in this NLDS series are determined by them on who wins. Game 1 certainly unveiled much of what promises to be an exciting contest between these division rivals.
Both of them will need all the stars to shine even brighter moving forward, especially as they hope for an opportunity at postseason advancement.