The Los Angeles Dodgers returned from their road trip with a 7-1 loss to the San Diego Padres in the series opener, marking their first time dropping three in a row since being swept by the San Francisco Giants from June 10-12.
According to STATS LLC, it also ended the Dodgers’ MLB record of 228 games without losing by more than five runs during the regular season. The next-closest team to accomplish such a feat was the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 1979 and 1980 seasons, when they went 148 games without losing by six or more runs.
The Dodgers avoided being shut out thanks to Justin Turner’s second double of the game leading to a Joey Gallo RBI base hit in the ninth inning. Turner had two of the Dodgers’ three hits on the night.
Dustin May was charged with six runs over five-plus innings in his first loss of the season. He issued a career-high five walks and also hit two batters. Yu Darvish hit Chris Taylor and Will Smith, and both teams were warned by umpires after the Dodgers’ catcher was plunked.
The @Dodgers lost to the Padres 7-1 tonight, snapping LA's streak of 228 consecutive regular-season games without losing by more than 5 runs.
That streak was 80 games longer than any other such streak in MLB history (next longest: 148 by Pirates from 1979-80).
— Stats By STATS (@StatsBySTATS) September 3, 2022
Even with their loss on Friday, the Dodgers remain 17 games ahead of the Padres in the National League West standings. However, the Dodgers’ lead over the New York Mets for the best record in the NL was trimmed to six games. The Mets are fresh off taking two of three from the Dodgers at Citi Field, becoming the first team to beat them in a series since the Washington Nationals.
Trea Turner out of Dodgers lineup
The Dodgers lineup had a different look for the series opener with the Padres as Trea Turner did not start for the first time this season. Manager Dave Roberts also found rest for Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman by removing them in the seventh inning.
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