SAN DIEGO -- Since the Padres entered the National League as an expansion team in 1969, their neighbors to the north have regularly used San Diego as a stepping stone to success in the National League West.
Overall, the Dodgers have a one-sided, 457-391-1 edge in the "rivalry," including Monday night's 8-2 victory in the opener of a four-game series at Petco Park. Last season, the Dodgers were 13-6 against the Padres en route to a 104-58 record and the National League West title.
This season, the Dodgers are 7-3 against the Padres. And the Dodgers could move into the division lead Tuesday night with a second straight win over San Diego combined with an Arizona loss.