Led by Mookie Betts, the Los Angeles Dodgers exploded for six home runs in an 11-2 win over the San Diego Padres to earn a split of the four-game series. Betts slugged three homers for a sixth time in his career, tying with Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa for the most in MLB history.
Before the Dodgers began to tee off against Chris Paddack, they fell into an early deficit as Julio Urias surrendered back-to-back homers to Tommy Pham and Eric Hosmer in the first inning. He settled in from there, however, getting through 6.1 innings with just the two runs allowed.
Corey Seager quickly made his presence felt in his first game back since last weekend, tying the game with a two-run homer in the bottom of the first. AJ Pollock then broke the tie with a two-out blast that carried more than halfway up the pavilion in left field.
Betts began his barrage with a two-run homer in the second inning, and he and Austin Barnes went back-to-back in the fourth. Betts’ final home run came in the fifth inning, which extended the Dodgers’ lead to 11-2.
Betts had an opportunity at a fourth homer but settled for an infield single in the seventh inning. Gil Hodges and Shawn Green remained the only players in Dodgers franchise history to accomplish the feat.
While Betts undoubtedly was the star of the night, Barnes’ contributions can’t be overlooked. He had another multi-hit effort and finished 2-for-4 with two RBI. Barnes will start again Friday as Will Smith remains on the mend from neck trouble.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers bullpen added to what’s been a collective showing this season. Dennis Santana followed Urias with 1.2 scoreless innings, and Jake McGee and Dylan Floro combined to finish out the ninth.
Dodgers tied for first place
With their second consecutive win, L.A. improved to 13-7 and a first-place tie with the Colorado Rockies (12-6) in the National League West. The two teams don’t meet until next Friday, for the start of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium.
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