The Los Angeles Dodgers came from behind to defeat the San Diego Padres, 9-4, taking two of three at Dodger Stadium and clinching the season series. By doing so, the Dodgers’ magic number to clinch the National League West is now nine.
As for the finale at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers trailed 1-0 and needed to also overcome a short outing by Ryan Pepiot after he followed Caleb Ferguson filling an opener role.
Alex Vesia kept the deficit at 1-0 in the fourth inning by stranding two inherited runners from Pepiot. Will Smith then added to that momentum by tying the game with a leadoff home run in the bottom of the fourth.
Cody Bellinger later drew a walk with the bases loaded that marked the end of Mike Clevinger’s start. Mookie Betts extended the Dodgers’ lead with a sacrifice fly and Trea Turner hit a blooper into shallow left field that dropped and rolled away for a two-run double to cap off the big inning.
Is it hot outside or is it just Will? pic.twitter.com/5eLOCE0biN
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 5, 2022
TRAYCE KNEW. pic.twitter.com/bGFZhewifl
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 5, 2022
The Padres wound up pulling to within 5-4, but the Dodgers immediately responded in the bottom of the seventh inning. Smith’s leadoff walk and Max Muncy’s single off the wall left runners at the corners for Justin Turner, whose second double of the night provided the Dodgers with some breathing room.
Trayce Thompson pinch-hit for Joey Gallo and delivered a knockout blow on a three-run homer. It was the Dodgers’ third pinch-hit home run of the season and the second of Thompson’s career.
Mookie Betts continued to swing a hot bat by going 2-for-4 with two doubles and one RBI. He also was mic’d up for ESPN Sunday Night Baseball, which produced a variety of highlights as Betts touched on which Dodgers teammates needs a makeover, celebrities he is friends with, and more.
When can Dodgers clinch NL West?
If all possible outcomes break their way, the earliest the Dodgers can wrap up a ninth division title in the past 10 seasons is Saturday, when they face the Padres at Petco Park.
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