Dodgers vs. Padres NLDS Game 3: Tensions Soar as Series Shifts to San Diego

The intensity of postseason baseball is heating up, and the National League Division Series is no exception! The Dodgers and Padres are locked in a fierce battle as the series shifts south to San Diego after the two teams split the first two games in Los Angeles. It’s shaping up to be a wild series, and the excitement is palpable. With dramatic moments on and off the field, both teams are giving fans something to talk about.

A Tense Start to the Series in Los Angeles

Game 1 kicked off on Saturday with the Dodgers looking strong and taking an early lead in the series. They secured a hard-fought victory to set the tone, but the Padres weren’t about to back down. By Sunday, San Diego had bounced back with a commanding win of their own, leveling the series in front of a packed and raucous Dodger Stadium crowd.

However, things got a little too rowdy in Game 2. The Padres’ win was marred by an ugly scene in the stands, with frustrated Los Angeles fans throwing beer cans, bottles, and even baseballs onto the field and into the bullpen. What should have been a triumphant moment for the Padres turned tense as security rushed to contain the situation. Padres reliever Jeremiah Estrada didn’t mince words when asked about the incident. "If I was the commissioner of baseball, I wouldn’t even allow a Game 5 at their place," Estrada said bluntly on Monday. “I mean, why? Why would you want to test that to happen again?”

A Critical Game 3 Looms

Now, all eyes turn to Game 3 as the series moves to Petco Park in San Diego. The atmosphere is sure to be electric as the Padres play in front of their home crowd, hungry for a win that could push them closer to the NLCS. The Dodgers, though, won’t make it easy.

Taking the mound for Los Angeles is their ace, Walker Buehler, who is set to lead the charge for the Dodgers. Buehler has been rock-solid all season, and the team is counting on him to neutralize the Padres' powerful lineup. On the Padres’ side, Michael King will start, coming off an incredible performance in the wild-card series. King was nothing short of dominant, tossing seven scoreless innings and racking up 12 strikeouts to help San Diego sweep Atlanta.

What Time is Dodgers vs. Padres Game 3?

Fans across the country are eagerly awaiting first pitch, which is scheduled for 9:08 p.m. ET at Petco Park on Tuesday. It’s a late start, but the stakes couldn’t be higher. This could be the pivotal game that shifts the momentum firmly in one team’s favor.

How to Watch Dodgers vs. Padres

You won’t want to miss this one! The game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1, and if you can’t catch it on TV, there are streaming options as well. Fubo offers live streaming for the game, although regional restrictions might apply, so check your local listings. This matchup promises to be a thriller, and fans will want to follow every moment of it.

Lineups for Game 3

Both teams are fielding strong lineups for this crucial game. Let’s take a look at who’s starting for each side:

Dodgers Lineup:

1. Shohei Ohtani (L) – DH
2. Mookie Betts (R) – RF
3. Freddie Freeman (L) – 1B
4. Teoscar Hernández (R) – LF
5. Max Muncy (L) – 3B
6. Will Smith (R) – C
7. Gavin Lux (L) – 2B
8. Tommy Edman (S) – CF
9. Miguel Rojas (R) – SS

The Dodgers' lineup is stacked with power and versatility. Shohei Ohtani, one of the most exciting players in the game, will lead off as the designated hitter. With stars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman backing him up, there’s plenty of firepower to challenge the Padres' pitching staff. Keep an eye on Max Muncy and Will Smith, who have been clutch in big moments throughout the season.

Padres Lineup:

1. Luis Arraez (L) – 1B
2. Fernando Tatis Jr. (R) – RF
3. Jurickson Profar (S) – LF
4. Manny Machado (R) – 3B
5. Jackson Merrill (L) – CF
6. Xander Bogaerts (R) – SS
7. David Peralta (L) – DH
8. Jake Cronenworth (L) – 2B
9. Kyle Higashioka (R) – C

The Padres' lineup is equally formidable. Luis Arraez, who won the batting title, leads things off at first base, followed by the explosive Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, who has been a rock for San Diego all season. Xander Bogaerts and Jake Cronenworth add depth and balance to the lineup, while young talent like Jackson Merrill gives them an extra spark. Michael King on the mound, with that kind of offensive support behind him, makes the Padres a dangerous team heading into Game 3.

Key Factors to Watch

This game is set to be a showdown for the ages. Here are a few key factors that could decide the outcome:

• Pitching Matchup: Walker Buehler vs. Michael King. Both pitchers are capable of dominating the game. Buehler’s postseason experience could be a deciding factor, but King’s electric stuff can silence any lineup when he’s on his game.

• Home Field Advantage: Petco Park will be rocking, and the Padres will look to feed off their fans' energy. San Diego knows that taking this game at home could shift the entire series in their favor.

• Dodgers' Power Hitters: The Dodgers have some of the most feared hitters in baseball. If Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman get hot, they can take over the game quickly. The Padres’ pitching staff will have to be sharp from the first pitch to the last.

• Padres' Defense: San Diego’s defense has been solid all year. With stars like Machado and Bogaerts manning the infield, they have the ability to turn critical plays that can shut down Los Angeles rallies.

• Emotions Running High: After the chaos in Game 2, tempers could be flaring. Will there be any lingering effects from the fan incident in Los Angeles? The Padres are hoping to focus on the task at hand, but the Dodgers might look to use that drama as fuel for their fire.

Final Thoughts

This NLDS battle between the Dodgers and Padres has already given us everything we love about postseason baseball: drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. As the series heads into Game 3, the stakes are higher than ever. Will the Padres capitalize on their home-field advantage and push the Dodgers to the brink? Or will Los Angeles strike back and regain control of the series? No matter what happens, baseball fans are in for a treat, and this game promises to be one you won’t want to miss!