Game Recap
The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday night, thanks to a dramatic pinch-hit, walk-off home run by Will Smith in the bottom of the ninth inning.
The Padres had tied the game at 3 in the top of the inning on Jake Cronenworth’s bases-loaded sacrifice fly off reliever Justin Wrobleski and Xander Bogaerts’ RBI double to center.
Turning Point
Smith, a pinch hitter, connected on a 90 mph changeup from closer Robert Suarez for the Dodgers’ 25th comeback win of the season. This walk-off home run marked a significant moment in the game, shifting the momentum in favor of the Dodgers.
Game Highlights
After four players were hit by pitches in the first two games of the series and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was ejected on Tuesday, Andy Pages was hit on his left shoulder by a 91 mph cutter by Stephen Kolek in the seventh. Pages was plunked by Padres starter Dylan Cease on Monday. With the umpires watching, Kolek and Pages exchanged nods as Kolek left the game one out later.
Team Performance
The first-place Dodgers won their fifth in a row and improved to 5-1 against the Padres. Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan allowed one run over four innings of his first major league start in 1 1/2 years after having Tommy John surgery in May 2024. The Dodgers got their offense from the bottom of the lineup, including a two-run single from rookie Dalton Rushing in the fifth. However, the Dodgers’ top four hitters — Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Teoscar Hernández — were a combined 1 for 16.
Key Moment
San Diego’s Manny Machado grounded into a fielder’s choice to third in the ninth. Muncy’s throw was low to the outfield side and second baseman Edman didn’t get his glove down as the ball rolled past him, giving the Padres two runners on instead of a potential double play.
Key Stat
Ohtani struck out with the bases loaded in the seventh, extending his hitless skid to 0 for 8 since making his Dodgers pitching debut on Monday.
Up Next
Padres RHP Ryan Bergert starts Thursday’s series finale. Dodgers RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto tries to end a three-game skid.
Conclusion
The Dodgers’ victory over the Padres was a testament to their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Will Smith’s walk-off home run will be remembered as a highlight of the season, and the team’s fifth consecutive win solidifies their position as a top contender.
FAQs
- Q: Who hit the walk-off home run for the Dodgers?
- A: Will Smith hit the walk-off home run.
- Q: What was the final score of the game?
- A: The Dodgers won 4-3.
- Q: Who will start for the Padres in the series finale?
- A: Ryan Bergert will start for the Padres.
- Q: Who will start for the Dodgers in the series finale?
- A: Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start for the Dodgers.
