The Los Angeles Dodgers overcame a five-run deficit to defeat the San Diego Padres, 13-7, on Monday that secured a series win at Petco Park. L.A. likely would have completed a sweep if not for Yency Almonte and Caleb Ferguson both struggling in the eighth inning on Saturday.
With their latest win, the Dodgers maintained a four-game lead over the San Francisco Giants in the National League West entering play Tuesday. The Padres, meanwhile, now are 11 games out of first place in the NL West and sit four back of the Cincinnati Reds for the third Wild Card spot.
San Diego entered the season with World Series aspirations after signing Xander Bogaerts in free agency and upsetting the Dodgers in the 2022 NL Division Series. The Padres hoped to keep the momentum going, but have dropped eight of 10 head-to-head meetings against the Dodgers this year.
When asked to explain the Padres’ struggles, Juan Soto gave credit to the Dodgers lineup and pitching staff, per Marty Caswell:
“I mean, did you see the lineup? It’s pretty good. They have really good players and really good pitching. I think they have a really good team. I bet you it’s not only the Padres, it’s a lot of other teams too.”
Soto’s comments are in stark contrast to his remarks at the start of the 2023 season when he said the Dodgers should be worried about the Padres this year.
The Dodgers have largely downplayed the Padres and any growing animosity, though manager Dave Roberts did give credence to their newly established rivalry during the offseason.
L.A. and San Diego are scheduled to play three more times this season at Dodger Stadium from September 11-13.
Dodgers tied grand slam record
With his go-ahead home run in the fourth inning, Mookie Betts helped the Dodgers tie a franchise record with their 11th grand slam of the season, matching the 2021 team.
Overall, the 2023 Dodgers are the 18th team in MLB history with at least 11 grand slams in one season. The 2000 Oakland Athletics and 2006 Cleveland Guardians share the MLB record with 14 grand slams hit in a single year.
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