Miguel Vargas was responsible for driving in more than half of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ runs for a 5-2 win over the San Diego Padres in the rubber match at Petco Park. The Dodgers finished 14-5 against the Padres and won all six of their head-to-head series in 2022.
The Padres took a 2-0 lead in the first inning behind a bevy of soft contact and misplay by Trea Turner. Andrew Heaney pitched four scoreless innings out of the bullpen, which allowed the Dodgers to cut into their deficit.
That started on a sacrifice fly from Vargas that was set up by Will Smith’s leadoff single and Max Muncy getting hit by a pitch.
Then in the sixth inning, Mookie Betts’ leadoff double sparked a three-run rally. After Trea Turner’s infield single, Freddie Freeman lifted a flare into left field for a game-tying RBI base hit.
The kid comes through! pic.twitter.com/nNtJZBRq3F
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 30, 2022
Will makes it look easy. pic.twitter.com/FSZWQHfaZq
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 30, 2022
Varags then put the Dodgers up for good on a two-run single with the bases loaded and two outs. The three RBI set a career high for the Dodgers prospect, who is 4-for-10 with runners in scoring position this season.
Vargas initially was not in the Dodgers lineup but replaced Trayce Thompson, who was scratched to tend to a personal matter.
Smith provided insurance in the eighth inning with the first home run hit by either team in the series.
Dodgers magic number
The Dodgers’ magic number for home-field advantage through the World Series is down to one. They last held that edge in 2020, but the postseason shifted to neutral sites after the expanded Wild Card round.
Prior to that, the Dodgers last finished with the best record in baseball in 2017. They were one game off accomplishing that in 2021, narrowly getting edged by the San Francisco Giants.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
