The Los Angeles Dodgers had their three-game winning streak snapped in a 5-2 loss to the San Diego Padres. It came in the finale of a four-game series at Dodger Stadium and resulted in the Dodgers falling short of completing a sweep.
Manny Machado provided the big swing that proved to be the difference for the Padres with a three-run home run off Kyle Hurt in the seventh inning. That capped off a four-run inning for San Diego.
Thus, the last time the Dodgers completed a four-game sweep of the Padres was April 30-May 3, 2009. Even with their loss on Sunday, the Dodgers have won 33 of their last 45 games against the Padres at Dodger Stadium, which includes the postseason.
Padres 5, Dodgers 2: key takeaways
Shohei Ohtani returns
Shohei Ohtani was back in the lineup after missing one game due to a right bicep issue. It marked a second time Ohtani has dealt with some discomfort in that area, and in both cases he’s made a quick recovery.
Dodgers offense struggles
JP Sears held the Dodgers without a hit until Miguel Rojas’ single with two outs in the fifth inning. That was the lone hit Sears allowed over five scoreless innings.
Alex Freeland’s RBI single in the seventh prevented the Dodgers from being shut out. Ohtani added an RBI base hit of his own before the rally came to an end.
Mark Prior pitching change
Emmet Sheehan’s second consecutive start facing the Padres ended at just 4.1 innings. He exited with two runners in scoring position and the Dodgers trailing 1-0.
What was most peculiar, however, was Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior removing Sheehan from the game. The NBC broadcast showed Prior turn back to the dugout before making his way to the mound, seemingly receiving some instruction.
Prior had a brief conversation with Sheehan before signaling for Jack Dreyer to enter the game. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remained seated in his normal perch throughout the process.
Padres ejections
Three pitches into the game, Padres manager Craig Stammen and infield coach Ryan Goins were both ejected. Their dugout took exception with first base umpire Ben May on a check-swing call, which led to home plate plate ump Nick Mahrley ejecting Goins.
Stammen then came out to protest and he too was run from the game.
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