The Los Angeles Dodgers were out to an early lead in their first meeting against the San Diego Padres thanks to Joc Pederson’s leadoff home run and Cody Bellinger’s sacrifice fly. Vying to secure a spot in the Dodgers’ rotation, Alex Wood was perfect through three innings.
He struck out a pair in the first and second innings, and collected another strikeout in the third. Erick Aybar’s one-out single in the fourth inning was good for the Padres’ first hit of the game. It also sparked a mini rally.
Wil Myers singled to center, which allowed Aybar to go first to third base, and Myers moved into scoring position on Pederson’s throwing error. Hunter Renfroe’s RBI groundout cut the Dodgers’ lead in half before Wood managed to get out of the inning.
Christian Friedrich struck out Wood and Pederson in the fifth to give him three strikeouts through two perfect innings in relief. Wood retired the lone batter faced in the bottom of the fifth, then gave way to Luis Avilan.
Wood allowed one run on two hits and collected five strikeouts in 4.1 innings pitched. Avilan induced a groundout and strikeout to keep the Dodgers’ one-run lead intact. Former Dodgers pitching prospect Logan Bawcom entered in the seventh and retired the side in order.
Steve Geltz allowed a one-out double to Renfroe, who then advanced to third base on a wild pitch. After Tony Cruz walked, Franchy Cordero’s sacrifice fly pulled the Padres even with the Dodgers.
Jose Torres extended the scoreless work out of the Padres’ bullpen by striking out the side in the ninth inning. Looking to complete a second scoreless inning in relief, Fabio Castillo faced two on with nobody out after Myers reached on an error and Renfroe singled.
After a sacrifice bunt advanced both runners, Jabari Blash walked to create a force out at every base. Pinch-hitter Brett Wallace grounded to Willie Calhoun, who’s throwing error allowed the Padres to come away with a 3-2 walk-off win.
