LOS ANGELES – Will Smith's tiebreaking two-run home run in the sixth inning capped a 12-pitch at-bat, propelling the Los Angeles Dodgers to an 8-6 victory over the San Diego Padres in a highly charged game Tuesday night. The Dodgers now hold a 4-1 record against the Padres in 2025.
The game was marked by intensity from the start. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was ejected in the third inning after Fernando Tatis Jr. and Shohei Ohtani were both hit by pitches. Padres player Jose Iglesias was also hit later in the game, further fueling the rivalry.
Andy Pages had a standout performance, going 4-for-4 with two home runs and three RBIs. His contributions were crucial during the Dodgers' five-run sixth inning, where they batted around to take an 8-3 lead. Pages is quickly becoming a key X factor in the Dodgers lineup.
Key Moments of the Game
- Smith's Homer: Will Smith's pivotal two-run homer in the sixth inning, coming after a grueling 12-pitch at-bat, proved to be the game-winner.
- Pages' Performance: Andy Pages had a career night, going 4-for-4 with two home runs and three RBIs.
- Ejection: Dave Roberts' ejection in the third inning after Tatis and Ohtani were hit by pitches showcased the game's intensity.
Pitching Performances
Lou Trivino hit Tatis in the third, and Randy Vásquez plunked Ohtani in the bottom half. Both benches received warnings, leading to Roberts' ejection by third base umpire Tripp Gibson. Jeremiah Estrada (2-4) took the loss for the Padres, while Matt Sauer (2-1) earned the win for the Dodgers. Tanner Scott closed out the game for the Padres, earning his 14th save.
The Padres mounted a comeback attempt in the seventh, scoring two runs on a pinch-hit home run by Trenton Brooks and a bases-loaded balk by Michael Kopech, pulling them within two runs. However, the Dodgers' bullpen managed to hold on, securing the victory.
Ohtani, making his pitching debut for the Dodgers the previous night after elbow surgery, struck out four times in this game. Looking ahead, Padres RHP Stephen Kolek (3-2, 3.50 ERA) is set to start Wednesday, while Dodgers RHP Emmet Sheehan will make his first major league start since 2023 following Tommy John surgery last year.