LA Angels (17-23) at San Diego (25-15)
- When: May 13 2025, 9:40 PM
- Where: PETCO Park, San Diego
- Where to watch: FDSW
Angels vs. Padres – Game Preview, Prediction and Player Props
Moneyline: San Diego (-212)
Total: 7.5
Los Angeles Angels Overview
The Los Angeles Angels pulled off a dramatic comeback in Game 1 of their series against the San Diego Padres, stunning the crowd at Petco Park with a 9-5 victory. Trailing late, Taylor Ward’s two-out grand slam capped a six-run ninth inning rally that flipped the game on its head. Ward’s ninth homer of the season came after a meltdown by Padres closer Robert Suarez, who walked four straight batters and allowed a base hit to load the bases. Alek Jacob came in and struck out Jorge Soler, but Ward’s big swing on the very next at-bat sealed the Angels’ most thrilling win of the season.
Suarez, who entered the game with 15 saves and a microscopic 0.51 ERA, now finds himself with a blown save, a loss, and a 3.00 ERA. “We’ve seen a lot of greatness from Robert Suarez,” said Padres manager Mike Shildt. “Some days, you’ve got to prove you’re human.”
Riding that wave of momentum, the Angels send Jose Soriano (2-4, 4.00 ERA) to the mound for Game 2. Soriano is looking to bounce back after a shaky outing against the Blue Jays where he allowed three runs over five innings. However, he did manage to fan six batters, showing glimpses of his strikeout potential. Soriano has some good history against San Diego, with a win in his lone start against them last year, giving up just two runs (one earned) over six innings. The Angels are banking on him to keep the Padres’ bats in check and build off their Game 1 heroics.
San Diego Padres Overview
The San Diego Padres are looking to bounce back after squandering a late lead in Game 1, where closer Robert Suarez melted down in the ninth inning. With a 15-save season and a 0.51 ERA, Suarez’s uncharacteristic performance was a shock to both fans and manager Mike Shildt. Despite the collapse, the Padres remain confident in his abilities moving forward.
On Tuesday, the Padres hand the ball to right-hander Dylan Cease (1-2, 4.91 ERA), who is coming off his best outing of the season. Against the Yankees, Cease took a no-hitter into the seventh inning, fanning nine before allowing a home run to Cody Bellinger. He exited with forearm cramps, but his performance showcased his potential dominance. The Padres are also excited about the progress of Yu Darvish, who is set to begin a rehab stint with Triple-A El Paso. Darvish, who has been out with elbow inflammation, is expected back soon to bolster the rotation.
The Padres will be leaning on Cease to shut down the Angels and even the series. Given his recent form, there’s optimism that he can silence the bats that erupted late in Game 1.
Player Prop Picks:
Jose Soriano – Over 3.5 Strikeouts: Soriano has shown flashes of dominance and should get enough swings and misses against the Padres’ lineup.
Dylan Cease – Over 7.5 Strikeouts: After a near no-hitter against the Yankees, Cease’s confidence should carry over against a streaky Angels lineup.
Expert Prediction and Final Score:
The Angels are riding high off their epic comeback, but with Cease pitching lights out in his last start, expect San Diego to stabilize and take Game 2 at home.
Score Prediction: Padres 5, Angels 3
Lean: San Diego -1.5 (+105)
Total: Over 7.5 (-105)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
