The San Diego Padres took a 2-1 lead in the National League Division Series with a thrilling 6-5 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 at Petco Park on Tuesday night. The game featured dramatic home runs, a disastrous inning for the Dodgers, and a valiant comeback attempt that fell just short.
Game Summary
The Padres jumped out to an early 6-1 lead thanks to a six-run explosion in the bottom of the second inning, highlighted by Fernando Tatis Jr.’s towering two-run home run. However, the Dodgers fought back with a grand slam from Teoscar Hernández in the third inning to make it a one-run game. Despite the comeback effort, the Padres’ bullpen held strong in the late innings to secure the win and push the Dodgers to the brink of elimination.
Key Performances
Fernando Tatis Jr. continued his postseason heroics, going 1-for-4 with a crucial two-run homer that capped off the Padres’ big second inning. The blast was Tatis’ third home run of the series, as he continues to torment Dodgers pitching.
Teoscar Hernández provided the biggest highlight for the Dodgers, crushing a grand slam in the third inning to bring his team back into the game. The slam was Hernández’s first postseason home run as a Dodger and briefly shifted momentum back in Los Angeles’ favor.
Mookie Betts also broke out of his postseason slump, going 1-for-4 with a solo home run in the first inning. The homer was Betts’ first hit of the series and snapped an 0-for-22 stretch dating back to last year’s playoffs.
Pitching Breakdown
Walker Buehler struggled mightily for the Dodgers, lasting just 5 innings while allowing 6 runs on 7 hits. The right-hander failed to record a strikeout and was unable to limit damage in the disastrous second inning that proved to be the difference in the game.
For the Padres, Michael King earned the win with 5 solid innings of work. While he allowed 5 runs, all came on the two home runs to Betts and Hernández. King struck out 3 and walked just 1 batter in his outing.
The San Diego bullpen was lights out, with four relievers combining for 4 scoreless innings to close out the game. Robert Suarez earned the save by recording the final four outs, including two strikeouts.
Turning Point
The bottom of the second inning proved to be the decisive frame of the game. The Padres sent 10 batters to the plate and scored 6 runs to take control. Key hits in the inning included:
- An RBI single by Xander Bogaerts
- A two-run double by David Peralta
- A sacrifice fly from Kyle Higashioka
- The two-run blast by Tatis
This outburst gave San Diego a 6-1 lead and enough cushion to withstand the Dodgers’ comeback attempt.
Defensive Highlights
While the game was dominated by offense early on, both teams made some spectacular defensive plays in the later innings to preserve the tight score:
- Jurickson Profar made a leaping catch at the left field wall to rob Max Muncy of extra bases in the 6th inning
- Manny Machado made a barehanded play on a slow roller to throw out Gavin Lux in the 7th
- Trent Grisham covered significant ground to make a sliding catch in center field, taking away a hit from Will Smith in the 8th
Game Stats and Notes
Final Score: Padres 6, Dodgers 5
Winning Pitcher: Michael King (2-0)
Losing Pitcher: Walker Buehler (0-1)
Save: Robert Suarez (2)
Home Runs:
- LAD: Mookie Betts (1), Teoscar Hernández (1)
- SD: Fernando Tatis Jr. (3)
Attendance: 47,744 (Petco Park record)
The Padres now lead the best-of-five series 2-1 and are one win away from advancing to the National League Championship Series. This marks the second time in three years that San Diego has pushed Los Angeles to the brink of elimination in the NLDS.
Looking Ahead
Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday night at Petco Park, with first pitch set for 6:08 PM PT. The Dodgers will be fighting to extend their season and force a decisive Game 5 back in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the Padres will look to close out the series in front of their home crowd and punch their ticket to the NLCS.
Pitching matchups for Game 4 have not been officially announced, but speculation is that the Dodgers may turn to veteran Clayton Kershaw on short rest in an elimination game. The Padres could potentially use Yu Darvish, though manager Bob Melvin may opt to save him for a potential Game 5 and go with a bullpen game instead.
Series Implications
A win for the Padres would mark their second NLDS victory over the Dodgers in the past three seasons, further cementing their status as legitimate postseason contenders. It would also continue the recent postseason struggles for Los Angeles, who have failed to advance past the NLDS in three of the last four years despite their regular season dominance.
For the Dodgers, a loss would be a bitter end to a season that saw them win 100 games and capture their 10th NL West title in the last 11 years. The pressure will be immense on the star-studded roster to avoid another early playoff exit.
Conclusion
Game 3 of the NLDS lived up to the hype of this budding rivalry, providing fans with dramatic swings, clutch hits, and tense late-inning drama. The Padres seized control early and managed to fend off a fierce Dodgers comeback attempt. As the series shifts to a potential clincher for San Diego, both teams will be acutely aware of the high stakes awaiting them in Game 4.
With emotions running high and the Dodgers’ season on the line, Wednesday’s contest promises to be another intense battle between these familiar foes. Baseball fans can expect more fireworks as this thrilling NLDS nears its conclusion.
