Padres Face Dodgers in First 2025 NL West Series After Playoff Sweep

The San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers, two leading teams in the National League West, are set to face each other in a highly anticipated three-game series starting June 9, 2025, renewing their intense rivalry following the Padres' surprising sweep of the Dodgers in the 2024 NLDS. The Padres, currently second in the division behind the Dodgers by one game, have gained momentum from recent close victories and strong performances from key players like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., bolstering fan excitement at Petco Park. Both teams have had an unusual schedule in 2025, with the Dodgers only now beginning their series against divisional rivals San Diego and San Francisco due to MLB's revamped balanced schedule. Padres manager Mike Shildt emphasizes a focus on consistent effort and preparation regardless of the opponent, though he acknowledges the special atmosphere these rivalry games create. The Padres believe their string of closely contested games has prepared them well for this critical stretch, which includes seven games against the Dodgers over the next 10 days. The series represents not only a battle for division supremacy but also a continuation of a fierce rivalry that has evolved over recent seasons.