The Los Angeles Dodgers solidified their grip on the National League West lead, defeating the San Diego Padres 4-2 on Sunday to extend their advantage to double digits. The victory, secured in a rubber match at Petco Park, marked the Dodgers' second series win against their divisional rivals this season.
With the score tied heading into the fifth inning, the Dodgers manufactured a pivotal scoring rally. The inning began with three consecutive baserunners against Padres pitcher Michael King: a walk to Max Freeland, a walk to Shohei Ohtani, and a hit-by-pitch to Andy Pages. Former MVPs Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts then capitalized on the opportunities. Freeman worked a lengthy at-bat before drawing a walk, forcing in a run. Betts followed with a two-run single to center field, giving the Dodgers a lead they would not relinquish.
Ohtani had provided an early lead for the Dodgers in the third inning with an RBI single, which scored Freeland after his leadoff single. The bullpen held the lead through the final four innings, despite the Padres putting tying runners on base in the sixth and eighth innings, and having Fernando Tatis Jr. at the plate as the tying run with one out in the ninth.
The Dodgers' pitching staff, led by a five-inning, one-run start from Emmet Sheehan, held the Padres' offense at bay. The bullpen contributed four innings of one-run ball to close out the win.
This series victory brings the Dodgers' lead in the NL West to 10 games. Despite the Padres' efforts to close the gap earlier in the week, the Dodgers have now won both series between the two teams this year. The two clubs are scheduled to meet again next week for a four-game series at Dodger Stadium.
For the Dodgers, Freeland reached base twice, factoring into both of the team's scoring rallies. He singled and scored in the third, and drew a walk to lead off the crucial fifth inning. His performance comes as the team anticipates the return of Teoscar Hernández, potentially impacting roster decisions.
Andy Pages, batting in the No. 2 spot in the order, went hitless in three at-bats on Sunday, and is now batting .208 for the month. He was also hit by a pitch twice. Pages has been the latest player to struggle in the two-hole, a position that has seen other Dodgers hitters moved down in the lineup this season.
The Dodgers are set to begin a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics on Monday in Sacramento. Eric Lauer is expected to start for the Dodgers against Athletics rookie Gage Jump.