Walker Buehler and Blake Snell combined for a pitchers’ duel but it was forgotten by the time the Los Angeles Dodgers outlasted the San Diego Padres for a 5-3 win in 16 innings.
It marked the longest extra-innings game since MLB switched to the current format in 2020, and also saw the Dodgers become the first team to not score a single run in four consecutive extra frames despite the automatic runner on second base.
Prior to the drama that unfolded as the game went past midnight, Will Smith delivered a game-tying solo home run off Snell in the eighth inning. It was the lone run Snell allowed as he set a career high with 7.2 innings pitched.
An array of blunders by both teams unfolded after that, and the Dodgers finally broke the deadlock on Billy McKinney’s pinch-hit RBI single in the 15th inning. Trea Turner drove in another run, and the Dodgers were three outs from a victory.
Yo holmes, Snell ya later! pic.twitter.com/YtXrxQ1t9K
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 26, 2021
Hello from the 15th inning. pic.twitter.com/Iwzyc6kIga
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 26, 2021
GOOD MORNING, AJ POLLOCK. pic.twitter.com/8KJkGqkynY
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 26, 2021
A combination of Buehler and stable of relief pitchers had held the Padres without a hit since the fifth inning, but that changed in the bottom of the 15th when Fernando Tatis Jr. went to the opposite field for a game-tying home run off Corey Knebel.
The Dodgers didn’t show any signs of an emotional letdown as AJ Pollock put them back ahead with a two-run blast in the 16th, and Shane Greene converted the save in his second appearance for the team.
Dodgers roster moves
Already planning to activate Mookie Betts off the 10-day injured list, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the team would likely make at least one pitching move as well to add a fresh arm to the bullpen.
Dodgers relievers combined to throw 9.1 innings, with just two runs (one earned) allowed on one hit. They issued all eight of the team’s intentional walks, which set a Dodgers franchise record for most in a single game.
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