Colorado Rockies fans, let’s talk Dodgers-Padres NLDS

Colorado Rockies fans are on the outside looking in for this year’s National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. While the Rockies may not be playing, it doesn’t mean Rockies fans can’t get together and talk about the game.

It’s assured that one team from the National League West will advance to this year’s National League Championship Series as the Dodgers and Padres square off tonight in Game 1 of the NLDS inside Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. It’s also assured that there is plenty of interest in the series pitting two division rivals from Colorado Rockies fans.

In the midst of a 26-34 record in 2020, the Rockies posted the same winning percentage against the Dodgers and Padres, winning three of the 10 games they played.

There was some meaning behind two of the wins against each of the franchises playing tonight. A pair of Colorado’s wins came against the Padres came during the first weekend of August as Colorado rocketed to an 11-3 start. Meanwhile, two of Colorado’s wins against the Dodgers came in Los Angeles just before Labor Day, giving the Rockies the only series win that any team produced against the Dodgers in 2020.

But that was then, and this is now.

More from Colorado Rockies News

• A Colorado Rockies Thanksgiving
• Colorado Rockies: Charlie Blackmon out for the season
• Colorado Rockies: Injuries shift look of roster ahead of Dodgers series
• Colorado Rockies: 3 things we appreciated from Tuesday in San Francisco
• What Bill Schmidt’s comments mean for the Colorado Rockies in 2023

Tuesday’s Game 1 matchup features Mike Clevinger taking the mound for San Diego as he returns for the first time since developing elbow impingement in his last regular-season start (he missed San Diego’s first-round series win over St. Louis). For Los Angeles, Walker Buehler will take the hill after the Dodgers swept Milwaukee in their opening-round matchup.

The Dodgers won six of the 10 regular-season meetings against the Padres, outscoring them 48-36 in the process. There has also been plenty of jawing between the two teams when they have gotten together in 2020, setting the table for what could be an intriguing playoff series.

We will be providing our own thoughts on Game 1 of the NLDS below, and we encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Of course, we hope you’ll be respectful, no matter which NL West team may be your favorite.

To see our latest thoughts (and the latest comments about the game), make sure you’re hitting refresh in your browser. We’ll start updating with our thoughts, beginning with first pitch on Tuesday at 7:38 p.m. (Mountain time). Feel free to leave your comments any time.

We’re looking forward to Game 1 of the NLDS. Thanks for joining us! Starting lineups are below.

NLDS Game 1 thoughts from the Rox Pile crew

Pregame

Depth for the Dodgers versus “chaos” in the Padres bullpen. An interesting point in the pregame talk or truth? What do you think?

When the Padres get a big hit and start showing emotion, is that when the drama of the series begins?

First inning

And we’re underway with a strike down the middle from Buehler … and a groundout to third.

Tatis with the first hit of the night. Stays hot in the postseason.

Interesting hearing talk about LA’s dominance in recent seasons and San Diego simply having a different attitude this season. Can that make a big difference?

Tatis advances a base with his speed. First RISP of the night.

Padres don’t score but get Buehler to throw 20 pitches

What do you think of Clevinger’s motion? Distracting or cool?

Like San Diego, LA has their first base runner with one out.

Two outs and runners on for Dodgers. Can they capitalize on the first-inning chance?

The answer? Nope. Scoreless through one.

Second inning

Leadoff hitter aboard for the Padres. Now can Wil Myers hurt another NL West team other than the Rockies?

Buehler definitely getting the pitch count up. He hasn’t looked sharp early, and neither has Clevinger.

Walks will haunt.

Big K for Buehler there. Wow.

Back to back Ks. Man. Including coming back from 3-0 to get Grisham. Padres held off the board.

An interesting mound visit in the bottom of the second … and Clevinger is gone. Bullpen comes into play for San Diego quickly.

We’ll check back in later but feel free to stay active in the comment section below.

Sixth inning

Dodgers have pulled off nine walks so far … and no hits. Crazy.

But then Betts has the big double and suddenly the Dodgers are threatening to take command.

San Diego manager Jayce Tingler is ejected … and drops a few choice words after it happens.

LA leads 2-1 as Seager’s sac fly was deep enough to score Taylor.

And Turner follows with an RBI single to right and the Dodgers are up 3-1. Feels like they have the Padres wobbling.

4-1 after Bellinger’s infield hit. And the Dodgers have batted around.

Walks, hit, wild pitches … LA is pulling away slowly and certainly.