LOS ANGELES – In a game filled with drama and intensity, the Los Angeles Dodgers edged out the San Diego Padres 8-6 on Tuesday night, further fueling their already fiery rivalry. Will Smith's clutch two-run homer in the sixth inning, capping off a grueling 12-pitch at-bat, proved to be the decisive moment in a contest marked by hit batters, ejections, and a late Padres rally.
Heated Exchanges and Ejections
The game took a turn in the third inning when Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. was hit by a pitch, followed shortly after by Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani being plunked in the bottom half of the inning. This led to warnings for both benches and a heated argument from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, resulting in his ejection. The tension remained high throughout the game, with another Padres player, Jose Iglesias, getting hit later on.
Pages' Big Night and Bullpen Battle
While Smith provided the late-game heroics, Andy Pages had a standout performance, going 4-for-4 with two home runs and three RBIs. His contributions were crucial in the Dodgers' five-run sixth inning that gave them an 8-3 lead. The Dodgers relied on a bullpen game, using six different pitchers to navigate the Padres' offense, which managed nine hits and six walks.
Padres Rally Falls Short
The Padres attempted a late comeback, pulling within two runs in the seventh inning thanks to a two-run homer by pinch-hitter Trenton Brooks and a bases-loaded balk. However, the Dodgers' bullpen managed to hold on, with Anthony Banda inducing a foul pop to end the eighth inning with the bases loaded. Tanner Scott closed out the ninth for his 14th save.
Looking Ahead
Padres RHP Stephen Kolek is scheduled to start on Wednesday, while Dodgers RHP Emmet Sheehan will make his first major league start since 2023 as he returns from Tommy John surgery. The Dodgers have now improved to 4-1 against the Padres this season, extending their lead in the division.