The Los Angeles Dodgers relied on big swings from Michael Conforto and Teoscar Hernández for a 5-2 win in the rubber match against the San Diego Padres on an afternoon that effectively served as Ben Casparius’ launching point into their starting rotation.
Justin Wrobleski had been listed as the probable for the series finale at Petco Park, but it was instead Casparius who made the start. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated the right-hander is likely to begin stretching out to join the starting rotation in the wake of Tony Gonsolin’s right elbow injury.
Casparius was efficient as he got through four innings with just one run allowed. Prior to the game Roberts said he hoped Casparius would be able to pitch three innings.
He was aided by Andy Pages throwing out Gavin Sheets at home plate after the Padres collected three consecutive singles. The outfield assist was Pages’ fifth of the season, tying with Teoscar Hernández for the team lead.
Pages’ throw additionally registered at 99 mph to tie with Kevin Kiermaier (Aug. 14, 2024) for the hardest-thrown outfield assist tracked by Statcast (began in 2015).
Pages’ impressive strike kept the game scoreless at the time but it was followed by Casparius then walking the next two batters to bring in a run. The free passes inexplicably came against the eighth and nine hitters in the Padres’ lineup, but Casparius minimized the damage by retiring Fernando Tatis Jr. to end the inning.
Randy Vásquez upheld the slim lead and was likely on the verge of ending his outing with five scoreless innings before surrendering a game-tying home run to Conforto. That gave Conforto an RBI in back-to-back games.
The Dodgers found more power in the sixth inning when Hernández connected for a go-ahead, three-run home run. The blast to center field was reminiscent of the grand slam Hernández hit in Game 3 of the National League Division Series last year.
Hernández was dropped down to fifth in the Dodgers’ lineup on Wednesday amid his struggles since returning from the 10-day injured list. Roberts said Hernández would likely continue to hit behind Will Smith until he emerges from the rut.
In the ninth inning, the Dodgers added some insurance when Shohei Ohtani tripled and scored on a single from Will Smith.
Dodgers bullpen
Less than 24 hours removed from preserving his relievers in a lopsided loss, Roberts was able to utilize high-leverage options at will.
Michael Kopech faltered in his second appearance off the injured list, as he walked three batters in a row to load the bases with one out in the seventh inning. Roberts then turned to Anthony Banda, who retired Luis Arraez and Manny Machado to end the threat.
Tanner Scott pitched the eighth inning and Alex Vesia converted his third save of the season. The Dodgers added onto their MLB lead with a 22nd comeback win this season.
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