The Dodgers vs Padres Match Player Stats have one of the most exciting rivalries in Major League Baseball (MLB). Every time these two National League West teams face off, fans are treated to intense matchups, standout performances, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a regular-season game or a high-stakes postseason clash, the Dodgers vs. Padres games are packed with action. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats from their recent matchups, highlight key performances, and explore what makes this rivalry so special. This easy-to-read guide is perfect for fans of all ages who want to understand the numbers behind the game.
Why the Dodgers vs Padres Match Player Stats Rivalry Matters
The Dodgers vs Padres Match Player Stats have been division rivals since the Padres joined the MLB in 1969. Over the years, the competition has grown fiercer, especially with the Padres’ recent roster upgrades and the Dodgers’ consistent dominance. The 2024 season, in particular, showcased some thrilling games, including a memorable National League Division Series (NLDS) that went to a decisive Game 5. These games aren’t just about wins and losses—they’re about individual players stepping up and making history.
By looking at player stats, we can see who’s driving the action. From home runs to strikeouts, batting averages to earned run averages (ERAs), the numbers tell the story of each game. Let’s dive into the stats from recent Dodgers vs. Padres matchups and break down what they mean.
Head-to-Head Overview
Historically, the Dodgers have had the upper hand in this rivalry. According to StatMuse, the Dodgers hold a 528-429 record against the Padres all-time, with a .252 team batting average. This edge comes from their deep roster, consistent pitching, and star-studded lineup. However, the Padres have closed the gap in recent years, thanks to players like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado. The 2024 season was a perfect example, with both teams battling for NL West supremacy.
In the 2024 regular season, the Dodgers and Padres faced off multiple times, with each game showcasing different strengths. The Dodgers won key games, like their 7-2 victory on September 26, 2024, while the Padres pulled off upsets, like their 4-2 win on September 24, 2024. Let’s look at the player stats from these games and the 2024 NLDS to see who stood out.
Batting Stats: Dodgers’ Offensive Power
The Dodgers’ lineup is a powerhouse, led by stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. In their September 26, 2024, game against the Padres, the Dodgers put up an impressive .314 batting average, scoring 7 runs on 11 hits, including 3 doubles and 2 home runs. Here’s a closer look at some key performers:
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Shohei Ohtani (DH): Ohtani is a game-changer. In the September 24 game, he went 1-for-3 with a ground-rule double and scored a run, posting a .301 batting average and a 1.024 OPS. His ability to hit for power and get on base makes him a constant threat. In the 2024 NLDS, Ohtani’s slugging percentage of .875 was a highlight, showing his knack for extra-base hits.
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Mookie Betts (RF): Betts is known for clutch performances. In one game, he hit two doubles and a home run, boosting his team’s offense. His on-base percentage (OBP) of .377 and slugging percentage (SLG) of .500 make him a reliable leader at the plate.
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Freddie Freeman (1B): Freeman’s consistency is unmatched. He posted a .281 batting average and .474 SLG in the September 24 game, though he went 0-for-4. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations was evident in the NLDS, where his slugging percentage shone.
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Will Smith (C): Smith had a strong showing on September 24, going 2-for-3 with a .500 batting average and a .778 OBP. His 33.9 FanDuel points in one game highlighted his impact.
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Teoscar Hernández (LF): Hernández went 2-for-3 with a .269 batting average and 3.5 FanDuel points in the September 24 game. His power-hitting (496 SLG) adds depth to the Dodgers’ lineup.
The Dodgers’ offense is well-rounded, with players who can hit for average, power, and speed. Their .710 OPS against the Padres all-time shows their ability to produce runs consistently.
Batting Stats: Padres’ Rising Stars
The Padres counter with their own offensive firepower, led by Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Jake Cronenworth. In the September 24 game, the Padres scored 4 runs on 8 hits, including a home run, despite a .229 team batting average. Here’s how their key players performed:
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Fernando Tatis Jr. (RF): Tatis is a dynamic force. In the 2024 NLDS, his power-hitting and athletic defense were crucial. He maintained a .279 batting average and .493 SLG in the September 24 game, though he went 0-for-4. His ability to deliver clutch RBIs makes him a game-changer.
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Jake Cronenworth (2B): Cronenworth was the star of the September 24 game, hitting a two-run home run and driving in 3 RBIs. His 2-for-4 performance earned him 10 FanDuel points, and his .245 batting average doesn’t tell the full story of his clutch hitting.
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Manny Machado (3B): Machado provides stability, going 1-for-4 with a .276 batting average and .478 SLG in the September 24 game. His timely hits in the NLDS kept the Padres competitive.
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Xander Bogaerts (SS): Bogaerts went 2-for-4 with an RBI, posting a .261 batting average. His ability to get on base (.304 OBP) adds value to the Padres’ lineup.
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Jurickson Profar (LF): Profar made a highlight-reel diving catch and went 1-for-4 with a run scored. His .285 batting average and .384 OBP show his consistency.
The Padres’ offense relies on a mix of power and speed, with Tatis and Cronenworth leading the charge. Their .721 OPS in key games shows they can hang with the Dodgers’ bats.
Pitching Stats: Dodgers’ Arms
The Dodgers’ pitching staff is a cornerstone of their success, with names like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Clayton Kershaw leading the way. In the September 24 game, their pitchers struggled, allowing 4 runs, but they bounced back in later matchups. Here’s a look at their key pitchers:
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Yoshinobu Yamamoto (SP): Yamamoto was a standout in the 2024 NLDS Game 5, delivering precision pitching with a 1.80 ERA and 4 strikeouts in a key game. His 0.80 WHIP and 11.25 K/9 show his dominance.
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Landon Knack (SP): Knack took the loss on September 24, pitching 4 innings and allowing 4 earned runs. His 3.74 ERA and 1.09 WHIP suggest room for improvement, but he’s a reliable arm.
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Brusdar Graterol (RP): Graterol threw a scoreless inning in the September 24 game, with a 2.45 ERA and 0.68 WHIP. His ability to shut down rallies is crucial.
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Daniel Hudson (RP): Hudson’s 3.05 ERA and 1.03 WHIP made him a dependable reliever, pitching a scoreless inning in the same game.
The Dodgers’ pitching staff posted a 2.00 ERA in key games, ranking first in the league. Their ability to limit runs and rack up strikeouts (21 in one game) is a major strength.
Pitching Stats: Padres’ Mound Presence
The Padres’ pitching has improved significantly, with Michael King and Yu Darvish leading the rotation. In the September 24 game, their pitchers held the Dodgers to 2 runs, showcasing their depth. Here’s how they performed:
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Michael King (SP): King earned the win on September 24, pitching 5 innings and allowing just 1 unearned run. His 2.95 ERA and 1.19 WHIP, along with 17.5 FanDuel points, highlight his reliability.
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Yu Darvish (SP): In the NLDS Game 5, Darvish’s veteran savvy kept the game close. His high K/9 and ability to handle pressure situations make him a key asset.
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Robert Suarez (RP): Suarez closed out the September 24 game with a save, allowing 1 run in 1 inning. His 2.81 ERA and 1.05 WHIP show his effectiveness as a closer.
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Josh Hader (RP): Hader’s save opportunities and strong K/9 were critical in the NLDS, keeping the Padres in games against the Dodgers’ potent lineup.
The Padres’ pitching staff showed resilience, with a triple play in the September 24 game sealing their victory. Their ability to navigate jams, like King striking out Betts with the bases loaded, is a testament to their growth.
Key Moments and Game-Changers
The Dodgers vs. Padres games are defined by clutch moments. In the September 24 game, Cronenworth’s two-run homer gave the Padres a lead they never relinquished. Profar’s diving catch robbed Ohtani of a hit, shifting momentum. The Padres’ triple play in the ninth inning was a defensive highlight, ending the Dodgers’ comeback hopes.
In the NLDS Game 5, the duel between Yamamoto and Darvish was historic, with both Japanese-born pitchers delivering under pressure. The Dodgers pulled ahead with key hits and strategic decisions, advancing to the next round. These moments show how individual performances can swing a game.
Historical Context and Trends
The Dodgers’ historical edge (528-429 all-time) is rooted in their consistent excellence, with players like Kershaw and Betts carrying the torch. The Padres, however, have become a legitimate threat, with Tatis and Machado leading a revitalized roster. The 2024 season saw the Padres push the Dodgers to the limit, with their 4-2 win on September 24 proving they can compete.
Batting trends show the Dodgers’ lineup is deeper, with a .252 average against the Padres all-time. The Padres, though, have closed the gap, with players like Tatis and Cronenworth stepping up in big moments. Pitching-wise, both teams boast elite arms, with the Dodgers’ 2.00 ERA and the Padres’ strong bullpen (Hader, Suarez) making every game a battle.
Fan Engagement and Viewership
The Dodgers vs Padres Match Player Stats rivalry draws massive attention. The 2024 NLDS Game 5 broke TV ratings records, especially in Japan, due to the Yamamoto-Darvish matchup. Social media buzz and packed stadiums reflect the passion of both fanbases. Posts on X highlight fans’ excitement over Ohtani’s power, Tatis’ flair, and defensive gems like Profar’s catch.
What the Stats Tell Us
The stats paint a clear picture: the Dodgers rely on depth and consistency, with Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman leading a balanced attack. Their pitching, anchored by Yamamoto and Kershaw, keeps opponents in check. The Padres, meanwhile, thrive on clutch performances from Tatis, Cronenworth, and Machado, with their pitching staff—led by King and Darvish—showing they can match the Dodgers’ arms.
Recent games, like the 7-2 Dodgers win and 4-2 Padres victory, show how close this rivalry is. The Dodgers’ .940 OPS in the September 26 game highlights their offensive edge, while the Padres’ defensive plays (like the triple play) show their grit.
Looking Ahead
As the Dodgers vs Padres Match Player Stats continue their rivalry, the stats suggest more thrilling matchups. The Dodgers’ depth gives them a slight edge, but the Padres’ young stars and improved pitching make them a growing threat. Fans can expect more clutch home runs, dazzling defensive plays, and tight pitching duels in 2025 and beyond.
For young fans, think of this rivalry like a superhero showdown: the Dodgers are like a team of veteran heroes with all the gadgets, while the Padres are the scrappy underdogs with flashy moves. Every game is a new chapter, and the stats help us see who’s stealing the show.
Conclusion
The Dodgers vs Padres Match Player Stats rivalry is a showcase of baseball at its best. By diving into the player stats, we see the brilliance of Ohtani’s power, Tatis’ flair, Yamamoto’s precision, and Cronenworth’s clutch hitting. Whether it’s a regular-season game or a playoff showdown, these teams bring out the best in each other. The numbers—batting averages, ERAs, RBIs—tell the story of a rivalry that’s only getting hotter. Keep an eye on these stats, because they’re the key to understanding why Dodgers vs. Padres games are must-watch baseball.