Atlanta (0-1) at San Diego (1-0)
- When: Mar 28 2025, 9:40 PM
- Where: PETCO Park, San Diego
- Where to watch: FDSSO
Game Preview
The San Diego Padres opened their 2025 campaign with an encouraging win, rallying to defeat the Atlanta Braves 7-4 on Thursday, and they’ll look to keep the momentum rolling in Game 2 of the series on Friday night. Oddsmakers have the Padres listed as -140 moneyline favorites, with the total sitting at 7.0 runs.
San Diego Padres Outlook & Prediction
Fernando Tatis Jr. wasted no time showing he’s fully healthy and ready to be a disruptive force again. The star outfielder went 3-for-4 and swiped two bases, both on Braves starter Chris Sale, who struggled to hold runners. Tatis only had 11 steals in 102 games last season due to injury, but his Opening Day performance suggests he’ll be far more aggressive in 2025.
Tatis hit leadoff on Thursday, a lineup change that paid off. While Luis Arraez is expected to hold the top spot long-term, the Padres may continue experimenting if Tatis remains hot. San Diego’s offense was active on the basepaths, with Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts each contributing to a double steal that helped pad the lead late.
On the mound, right-hander Dylan Cease will make his season debut. He went 14-11 with a 3.47 ERA in 2024 and will be counted on to go deeper than Michael King, who lasted just 2 2/3 innings on Thursday. The bullpen was forced to cover over six frames in the opener, so Cease’s ability to pitch into the middle innings will be key. He’s 2-0 with a 3.60 ERA in three starts vs. Atlanta, giving the Padres an edge here.
Atlanta Braves Betting Preview
Atlanta blew a one-run lead in the late innings, exposing a shaky bullpen that cost them in October and reared its head again on Opening Day. Third baseman Austin Riley provided a bright spot with a solo shot to deep center, but the offense couldn’t keep pace in the final innings.
Right-hander Reynaldo Lopez gets the nod for Atlanta after a breakout 2024 season. He posted a stellar 1.99 ERA over 135.2 innings and will try to build on that momentum. Lopez has a 3.38 ERA in three career outings vs. San Diego, but the Padres’ speed and aggression on the bases could pose a challenge.
The Braves need more from their middle relief and bullpen arms to avoid another late-inning collapse. The talent is clearly there offensively, but consistency on the mound remains a concern early on.
Betting Prediction: Padres 4, Braves 2
Given the Padres’ aggressive baserunning, solid bullpen, and Cease’s past success vs. Atlanta, San Diego looks like a solid play on the moneyline. Cease should give them enough length to reduce bullpen strain. With both lineups capable of scoring but strong starters on the hill, the under 7.0 also has appeal.
Best Bets:
Padres -140
Under 7.0 Total Runs
Fernando Tatis Jr. Over 1.5 Total Bases
Dylan Cease Over 5.5 Strikeouts
- MLB Odds source: MYBookie Sportsbook
