The Padres vs Dodgers rivalry produced a one-sided result Tuesday night as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 7-0 in the series opener. Tommy Edman and Will Smith provided the home-run power, while the Dodgers’ pitching staff combined for a shutout.
The result gave the Dodgers their fifth consecutive victory and improved their September record to 15-5. San Diego, meanwhile, saw its five-game winning streak come to an end after entering the matchup with a 14-5 September record.
Dodgers Break Through Against Michael King
The Dodgers turned the game in the second inning, scoring four runs against Padres starter Michael King. King quickly recorded two outs but then ran into trouble after Teoscar Hernández and rookie Josue De Paula delivered consecutive singles.
After Andy Pages was hit by a pitch, King walked Tommy Edman and Mookie Betts, allowing two runs to score. Freddie Freeman then delivered a two-run single to give Los Angeles a 4-0 advantage.
King was unable to settle down and was removed after four innings. He allowed five runs on six hits while striking out five, ending his four-game winning streak. The start was also his career-high 32nd of the season.
Tommy Edman and Will Smith Add Home Runs
The Dodgers vs Padres matchup continued to tilt toward Los Angeles after Freeman’s big hit.
Betts added a ground-rule double in the fourth inning before scoring on another two-out single from Freeman, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 5-0.
Edman then provided another highlight in the sixth inning, launching a solo home run with two outs. Will Smith followed with a 396-foot homer in the seventh, putting the Dodgers ahead 7-0.
Padres Struggle Against Dodgers Pitching
The Padres struggled to generate offense throughout the game. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado combined to go 1-for-7 with five strikeouts, highlighting the difficulty San Diego had against the Dodgers’ pitching staff.
Los Angeles used eight pitchers in the game, beginning with Brock Stewart in a bullpen-game approach. Justin Wrobleski earned the victory after pitching in relief, improving to 12-5. The Dodgers’ eight-pitcher effort produced the fifth shutout in franchise history when using at least eight pitchers.
Edwin Díaz struck out two in one inning, while Roki Sasaki returned from the injured list and reached 100 mph with his four-seam fastball during his one inning of work.
Dodgers Move Closer to Top MLB Record
The victory moved the Dodgers to 97-60, leaving them one game behind Milwaukee’s 98-59 record for the best mark in baseball. Milwaukee holds the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Los Angeles also moved closer to securing a first-round bye into the National League Division Series. The Dodgers need one more win or an Atlanta loss to clinch the bye, according to the report.
Padres vs Dodgers: What’s Next?
The Padres game series continues Wednesday, with San Diego sending left-hander Robbie Ray to the mound. Ray enters with a 13-8 record and a 3.60 ERA.
The Dodgers will counter with right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is 14-8 with a 2.51 ERA.
With both teams competing near the top of the National League, the next chapter of the Padres – Dodgers rivalry carries plenty of postseason significance.
Padres vs Dodgers Key Takeaways
- The Dodgers defeated the Padres 7-0 in the series opener.
- Tommy Edman and Will Smith hit home runs.
- Freddie Freeman delivered a two-run single in the second inning.
- Michael King allowed five runs and six hits in four innings.
- Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. combined for five strikeouts.
- Brock Stewart started a bullpen game for Los Angeles.
- Justin Wrobleski earned the win.
- The Dodgers improved to 97-60 and won their fifth straight game.
- San Diego’s five-game winning streak ended.
- Robbie Ray and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are scheduled to start the next game.
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