Dodgers’ Alex Wood makes his case for postseason in win over Padres

Dodgers starting pitcher Alex Wood could go nowhere but up after allowing 11 hits and eight earned runs during a Sept. 27 road matchup against the Rockies.

But on Friday night, Wood went above and beyond, atoning for his previous performance, lasting seven innings in a 6-2 victory over the San Diego Padres.

“It’s nice to not pitch in Colorado,” Wood said. “It’s good to finish on a high note. We’re playing for home-field advantage, so I was just glad I could do my part.”

Wood was pulled after allowing two earned runs, but ended up with four strikeouts while allowing just five hits and one walk in 88 pitches. His 2015 regular season ends with a 12-12 record, including a 5-6 mark as a Dodger. Now, he’ll wait to see how Manager Don Mattingly chooses to use him in the postseason.

“That stuff is out of our control,” Wood said. “Everybody in here is just trying to win these last two games tomorrow and Sunday, and then whatever happens, be prepared to take on your role. Whatever they ask you to do, you do the best job you can at that.”

In theory, Wood has a built-in advantage against the Mets, because he used to pitch in the NL East while a member of the Atlanta Braves. But he wasn’t sure that would have much of an effect, especially since the Mets brought in a fair amount of new faces.

“Their lineup is a whole lot different than it has been the last two and a half years,” Wood said. “They have a lot of different guys that haven’t been there until this year, and that I haven’t really faced a lot.”

Still, his strong showing was enough to keep him on the mound in the playoffs, though in what capacity remains to be seen.