The Los Angeles Dodgers continued their recent dominance over the San Diego Padres with a 7-2 win on Saturday that has them in position to complete a series sweep. The Dodgers increased their lead in the National League West to 4.5 games and have won 14 of the last 15 against the Padres.
Despite his string of success against the Dodgers, Yu Darvish struggled early as he allowed three home runs in the first inning. Freddie Freeman and Will Smith combined for back-to-back solo homers to provide the Dodgers with an early lead.
Justin Turner made it three home runs in the inning two batters later. The homer was Turner’s third of the series.
The Dodgers added to their lead in the second inning when José Azocar had trouble with the sun and it resulted in a Gavin Lux two-out double that skipped off his glove. Trea Turner immediately took advantage by following that with an RBI single.
Thank Yu, next. pic.twitter.com/pHGcEk8yEn
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 2, 2022
101 mph from the Bazooka. pic.twitter.com/LyaswmFst8
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 3, 2022
Justin Turner’s base hit in the third inning led to another run as he moved into scoring position on a wild pitch and was later brought in by Jake Lamb. His slicing fly ball to left field landed just out of the reach of Jurickson Profar on his diving attempt.
Then in the seventh inning, Padres relief pitcher Ray Kerr walked the bases loaded with nobody out. Max Muncy and Turner each produced a sacrifice fly to give the Dodgers two runs in the inning without a hit.
Anderson leads Dodgers pitching
Anderson bounced back from allowing four runs in each of his last two starts to hold the Padres to just one run over 6.1 innings.
He was followed by Brusdar Graterol, Reyes Moronta and Alex Vesia to finish out the win. Graterol ended the seventh inning by striking out Manny Machado, much to the delight of Dodger Stadium. Moronta allowed a solo home run in the eighth inning, but the Dodgers still held a comfortable lead.
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