The set-up: The Los Angeles Dodgers have clinched the AL West title but last night's 7-1 loss in San Diego, coupled with Scherzer's 19th win of the season (4-2 over the D'backs), allowed the Nationals to move two games up on the Dodgers for the NL's best overall record (both teams have five games remaining in the season). San Diego's Tuesday win snapped the Dodgers' five-game winning streak, as the Padres used a lineup that featured several recent call-ups from Triple-A. Game 2 of a three-game series will be played tonight.

The pitching matchup: Jose De Leon (2-0, 5.52 ERA) was scheduled to start last night but was replaced by Maeda, who gave up three, first-inning runs and was gone after four innings. Going for the Padres will be Luis Perdomo (8-10, 5.59 ERA). De Leon is hoping he can be included as LA's fourth postseason starter, following Clayton Kershaw, Kenta Maeda and Rich Hill. This will be just his fourth career start and the best of those came against these Padres, when struck out nine in his major-league debut, a 7-4 victory over San Diego back on September 4 (he allowed three ERs in six innings). Perdomo is hoping to strengthen his case for a spot in next year's rotation with a good effort.

The pick: Perdomo had never pitched above Double-A before the season and the Padres are 10-9 (plus-$634) in his 19 starts here in 2016. The Dodgers need to win here, as they surely can't expect the Nats to lose at home to the D'backs, who send Shelby Miller (2-12, 6.47 ERA) to the mound. LA bounces back and is an 8* play.