Padres @ Dodgers NLDS Game 2 – Davies vs. Kershaw

Despite a thoroughly frustrating five innings in Game 1 of the series, the Dodgers managed to put together a Giants-esque rally to eventually take a 5-1 win.

	6:08 P.M.		Arlington
SS	Tatis Jr.	RF	Betts
3B	Machado	SS	Seager
1B	Hosmer	3B	Turner
DH	Pham	1B	Muncy
RF	Myers	DH	Smith
2B	Cronenworth	CF	Bellinger
LF	Profra	2B	Taylor
C	Nola	LF	Pollock
CF	Grisham	C	Barnes
P	Davies (R)	P	Kershaw (L)

Tonight, it’s Clayton Kershaw‘s turn. He’ll pitch in (near) his hometown for the first time of his career. Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News had a nice column about it.

Column: Clayton Kershaw may not be in his house, but he is right at home. https://t.co/NJObunhRkf

— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) October 7, 2020

Kershaw is coming off the best playoff start of his career, and he’ll look to build on it in a park that severely suppresses home runs. Get used to that last part, as the Dodgers won’t play another game outside this stadium for the remainder of their 2020 season — no matter how long or short it may be.

The Dodgers will take on Zach Davies tonight. With Mike Clevinger leaving last night’s game after 24 pitches (and might could be on his way off the roster) and Dinelson Lamet‘s bicep not allowing him to pitch in this series, the Dodgers dodged a couple of bullets. But Davies? has pitched well against the Dodgers in his career. However, they did get to him a little bit in their last meeting on Sept. 15 (6 IP, 8 H, 3 R), so it isn’t impossible to score off him. Of course, if the Dodgers’ offense starts as slowly as it did last night, it could be tough.

The Padres dropped Trent Grisham from the leadoff spot with a lefty on the mound, but all the same players are in the lineup tonight.

The only significant change in the Dodgers’ lineup is Austin Barnes is starting behind the plate while Will Smith moves to the DH spot. Joc Pederson gets the night off. This was all expected. With the Dodgers not carrying a third catcher in this round, there’s going to be a different backup catcher — and it isn’t Enrique Hernandez.

#Dodgers MGR Dave Roberts said he hasn't decided on a Game 3 starter, will wait to see how tonight's game vs. #Padres plays out. Also said that with Will Smith starting at DH and Austin Barnes behind the plate that Matt Beaty is his backup catcher.

— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) October 7, 2020

Matt Beaty was a catcher in college, so it’s better than someone like Hernandez donning the tools of ignorance. But, here’s hoping it doesn’t come to that.

As for the Game 3 starter, it’s pretty obvious to me.

I realize there’s some gamesmanship involved here, but I’ve been harping on this for a few weeks now (and I’m not alone). Free Tony Gonsolin!

Join me in wishing @mookiebetts, a Happy 28th birthday!

— AlaNNa Rizzo (@alannarizzo) October 7, 2020

It’s Mookie Betts‘ birthday. By law, the Dodgers cannot lose tonight.

First pitch is at 6:08 p.m. Pacific time on FOX Sports 1, which FOX is still trying to make a thing.