 pitched 2 1-3 scoreless innings for the victory.'' I'm very happy for the opportunity,'' Urias said through a translator. ''I feel good and comfortable. The roster comes out at the end of the season and I will respect whatever decision they make.'' It's huge,'' he added. ''It's my first year and I always knew it was going to be a playoff team because it is a team that has that capacity. Now that we are here and they are considering me for the playoff roster, that is great. I see it a lot closer. I see it as a reality to be part of that roster.'' Padres left-hander Christian Friedrich (5-12) allowed five runs and seven hits in 5 2-3 innings, struck out three and walked one. San Diego took a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning on consecutive RBI singles by Carlos Asuaje and Luis Sardinas. Rob Segedin tripled to right for the Dodgers with one out in the fifth and scored on Pederson's double to center. The Dodgers took the lead in the sixth with four runs - all charged to Friedrich - on four hits, a walk and a wild pitch. Friedrich allowed Justin Turner's RBI single and loaded the bases on a walk to Segedin before making way for Jose Torres. Torres' first pitch was wild, allowing Turner to score, and Pederson then hit a two-run double to center. The Padres went 6-4 on their final homestand, including splitting a four-game series with the San Francisco Giants and taking two of three from the Dodgers. Most of the credit goes to several rookies called up from Triple-A El Paso, which won the Pacific Coast League title.'' I think we showed some young guys here that infused some life and looked really good,'' manager Andy Green said. ''Manny Margot, Hunter Renfroe were outstanding, Carlos Asuaje had some good games and Austin Hedges was great behind the plate. `'Although Renfroe had a quiet night, going 1 for 5, he had four home runs and 12 RBIs in his first eight games. Although Thursday's game got out of hand, ''Nobody seemed to care what the score was when it's 9-2 there in the ninth inning and we're still swinging the bats,'' Green said. ''This team's fought all year long. I don't think anybody who's watched us would think anything otherwise. I think that's to be commended. We have a ways to go, but we've showed that same resolve this homestand that we've kind of shown all year.'' OH MY!Broadcaster Dick Enberg was honored before his final home game as TV voice of the Padres. Enberg was presented with a microphone mounted on a base and gave a brief speech that he ended with his signature ''Oh my!'' At a reception earlier in the day, Enberg was given a surfboard featuring his picture and his ''Oh my!'' saying. The Padres unveiled a plaque naming one of the broadcast booths after Enberg, who is in his seventh season with the team. At 81, he's retiring from his five decades as one of the most recognizable sports broadcasters in history. Tennis great Rod Laver, who lives in Carlsbad in northern San Diego County, attended the ceremony. Enberg will call the Padres' season-ending, three-game series at Arizona. UP NEXTDodgers: LHP Rich Hill (12-5, 2.05) is scheduled to start the season-sending series at San Francisco beginning Friday night. The Giants will counter with LHP Madison Bumgarner (14-9,2.71). Padres: RHP Edwin Jackson (5-6, 5.77) is scheduled to start the opener of the final series at Arizona, which is scheduled to counter with RHP Braden Shipley (4-5, 5.26). )
Time: 09:10 P.M. EST Venue: Petco Park SAN DIEGO -- The Los Angeles Dodgers won their fourth consecutive National League West title for a lot of reasons. Among them was contributions from their younger players. Left-hander Julio Urias (5-2, 3.53 ERA) is one of the kids who is doing all right. He will try to prevent a three-game San Diego Padres sweep when he starts the series finale Thursday." With Julio, it's just the way he carries himself," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of the 20-year-old rookie. "He is so mature, and he carries himself with that confidence." Urias will be opposed by Christian Friedrich (5-11, 4.66 ERA) in a battle of southpaws. Urias is making his first start since Sept. 13 and his first appearance since Sept. 21. The Dodgers have been cautious with his innings, which will make him available for the postseason. Roberts said Urias will be among the 25 players trying to bring a World Series championship to Los Angeles for the first time since 1988. Urias could be the Dodgers' No. 4 starter if they need one. More likely, he will be used out of the bullpen." Julio has been receptive in being able to adapt," Roberts said. Urias has a live arm and a keen mind. Roberts noticed how he goes about his work and the players he is learning from." He has really taken to the way Clayton (Kershaw) has mentored him, and Adrian (Gonzalez) has really helped him a lot," Roberts said. "He understands there is still a lot in there for his growth, and to his credit, he has been open." Urias has faced the Padres once, when he gave up two runs and three hits in 5 1/3 innings during a no-decision on Sept. 2. Friedrich has struggled against the Dodgers this year, going 0-1 with a 6.39 ERA in three starts. Los Angeles amassed 19 hits and seven walks in just 12 2/3 innings against him. His career numbers against the Dodgers are similarly ugly: 0-1 with a 7.32 ERA in 13 games (three starts). Friedrich, a 29-year-old completing his first season with the Padres, is almost an elder statesman on a team in the process of a youth movement. San Diego waited for its Triple-A affiliate, El Paso, to finish its postseason run before calling up four prospects on Sept. 21. Already, Manuel Margot enjoyed a game in which he finished a home run shy of a cycle. Hunter Renfroe has four home runs and 12 RBIs in seven games. Carlos Asuaje looks smooth at second base, and Austin Hedges is steady behind the plate. All appear poised to contribute for years. Then again, Padres manager Andy Green warns not to put anyone in the Baseball Hall of Fame just yet." They have been good," Green said, "but it's early in some of their major league careers, so I am going to say what I said in the beginning: If they get 15 hits in a week and a half, it's good for them, but it doesn't mean anything, so much for them and their future. And if they don't get a hit, it doesn't mean they are not going to be a great major league player." Green is anxious to see how the prized prospects react things get challenging." You will run through stretches when players are on fire and when they are ice cold," Green said. "The real measure of a major league player is how he responds to adversity, how he responds when he is not getting hits and how he comes back from that. You are not going to get that look in September." But at first glance, the Padres have hope for the future." The early returns are good," Green said. "I love Hunter Renfroe's even-keel demeanor. Manny Margot's energy and smile on the baseball field. Carlos Asuaje is incredibly determined, and Austin Hedges has been very cerebral behind the plate. You expect those things to continue on, but you have to go through some tough times at this level."
Looking for More Picks?
You can browse all the individual handicapper picks below.
Los Angeles Dodgers
San Diego Padres
Pick Center
MLB
FINAL (9/29/2016)
LiveSportsTradingDude
