Since San Diego shocked the baseball world by knocking the Dodgers out of the playoffs last autumn, there has been debate over whether this clash has surpassed the Dodgers as the sport’s best rivalry. While Mookie Betts doesn’t appear to think so, the Padres were clearly hoping to make a statement with this weekend’s series.
On Friday night, San Diego’s offence pounced all over reigning National League Pitcher of the Month Clayton Kershaw, winning the first game of a three-game set 5-2. But, The Dodgers revenge Saturday with Dustin May’s six-inning scoreless performance. Chris Taylor’s two-run home run was all the offense Los Angeles needed to take the series lead.
The Sunday finale, which was nationally broadcast on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball, featured a low-scoring contest that had the feel of a playoff game from last October. San Diego took the lead right away, scoring two runs against Julio Uras in the opening inning.
Will Smith’s RBI double allowed the Dodgers to tack on one run, but overall, the Dodgers’ bats appeared to be inactive. Los Angeles was down by one run going into the ninth inning and had already left nine runners on base. When San Diego sent in closer Josh Hader, it appeared that the game was all but over.
The impressive reliever easily through the first two Dodger batters, and all Betts needed to do was be retired for a successful weekend. However, Betts retaliated against a 3-1 sinker that slipped back over the plate, dumping it into the left field stands to force a tie.
The game extended into extra innings, and the Dodgers relied on a couple of youngsters. Michael Busch, who was recalled on April 25, drove in the ghost runner with a two-out RBI single to give the Dodgers the lead.
After Busch performed admirably, it was James Outman, who had just been named April’s Rookie of the Month. Outman provided some insurance by launching his ninth home run of the season, which gave the Dodgers a 5-2 lead they wouldn’t give up.
The Dodgers’ lead in the National League West is maintained by the win. Currently just three games behind the third place Padres, And yes ! Fans will not have to wait much longer for this dramatic action. The two teams will play again next weekend in Los Angeles.
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