The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres have come out of the gates firing on all cylinders to begin the regular season. Los Angeles, coming off a World Series title, is 7-0. They also set a franchise for the most consecutive wins to begin the regular season. It is also the best start for a defending champion in Major League Baseball history.
San Diego has started 5-0 for the first time in franchise history. The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are the third duo of teams in the same division to both start 6-0 or better since 1969. They joined the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers in 2015 and the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays in 1992 on that exclusive list. Will the Dodgers and Padres be able to keep up their historic starts?
Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres Off To Great Starts
The Dodgers (7-0) and Padres (6-0) are the 3rd duo of teams in the same division to both start 6-0 or better (divs since 1969), joining:
2015 Royals (7-0), Tigers (6-0)
1992 Yankees (6-0), Blue Jays (6-0)
h/t @MLBNetwork research squad— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) April 2, 2025
Los Angeles looked like it could be one of the best teams in league history entering the regular season. Their fast start has not quieted those thoughts. The Dodgers have future Hall of Famers at every position including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. Los Angeles also has All-Stars all over its roster. The Dodgers are second in the league in home runs and third in runs scored. Their pitching staff has also dominated with the fourth-best ERA in the league.
San Diego, while expected to be a playoff team, was not expected to begin the regular season on a historic pace. They are seeking a return to the MLB Playoffs for the second consecutive year. Right Fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. is hitting .409 early in the year. Center Fielder Jackson Merrill, on the heels of a long-term extension, has also been great. The San Diego Padres have been stellar on offense. They are second in batting average and sixth in runs scored. Their pitching staff has been even better. They are leading the league in ERA and are second in strikeouts.
Final Thoughts
The Dodgers and Padres will look to remain undefeated on Thursday. Los Angeles hosts the Atlanta Braves this evening while the San Diego Padres welcome the Cleveland Guardians to town this afternoon. There is no love lost between the Dodgers and Padres especially after San Diego coughed up a 2-1 series lead in the NLDS last year. The Padres were outscored 10-0 in Games 4 and 5 as their season ended on a sour note. Both franchises are seeking a World Series in 2025.
