The Los Angeles Dodgers began the most important series of their season with a matchup against the San Diego Padres as the two clubs fight for the National League West division title, but they once again fell flat in a 4-2 loss.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expected his club to bring the intensity and match the energy the Padres have brought all year. San Diego entered the series with a 7-3 advantage against L.A. in their previous 10 matchups.
“They’re playing the best baseball across the league since the All-Star break,” Roberts said. “They’ve had their way with us this year, so our guys will be ready. And coming off an off-day, feel good that we’re rested, focused, and we’ll be energized.”
While the Dodgers got off to a nice start, they were unable to capitalize on their subsequent chances.
Shohei Ohtani, who hit a leadoff double, scored in the first inning on a throwing error from Xander Bogaerts. But with runners at the corners, Teoscar Hernández attempted to steal second while Mookie Betts also started toward home, but he was thrown out trying to get back to third base.
The Dodgers also loaded the bases in the second inning, but with two outs. The inning ended with Mookie Betts striking out and no runs scoring. In the sixth, the Dodgers put two more runners on with two outs and failed to score when Tommy Edman flied out.
Teoscar Hernández doubled with two outs in the eighth but the Dodgers left him stranded when Max Muncy flied out.
The Dodgers strung together a rally in the ninth with three straight singles, scoring another run to make it a 4-2 game. However, Miguel Rojas grounded into a triple play to end the game.
Yes. A triple play.
With Landon Knack on the mound, the Padres took the lead in the second inning. Jackson Merrill singled before Jake Cronenworth launched a two-run homer.
The Padres doubled their run total in the fourth inning as started off by a double from Jurickson Profar. He came around to score on a two-out single from Xander Bogaerts.
After Knack balked Bogaerts into scoring position, Cronenworth came through again with an RBI double to make it a 4-1 game.
Knack finished his outing allowing four runs over four innings, giving up five hits, striking out four and walking one.
With the loss, the Dodgers now lead the NL West by just two games. They could still clinch the division with wins on Wednesday and Thursday, or they could head to Colorado trailing the Padres by a game.
Dodgers making history
Shohei Ohtani sets Dodgers franchise record
Ohtani’s double in the first inning was the 95th of his season, which set the new single season record for a Dodgers’ player. The record was previously held by Babe Herman, who hit 94 during the 1930 season.
Edgardo Henriquez makes MLB debut
Edgardo Henriquez, who was recalled prior to the game, made his MLB debut in the seventh inning. “Very excited. Really great kid, big arm,” Roberts said before the game.
Henriquez entering the game marked the 40th pitcher the Dodgers have used this season, which set a new franchise record.
The right-hander struck out Donovan Solano as the first batter he faced, before allowing a single. He came back to keep the Padres off the board with a pop out and a strikeout of Fernando Tatís Jr.
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