When Will Smith’s two-run home run went into the night, it not only marked an important game, but also the start of the Los Angeles Dodger’s surge in a 7-2 victory over the San Diego Padres. The victory, earned in Thursday night’s contest, clinched the National League West title for the Dodgers. However, the excitement was slightly overshadowed by an unfortunate incident involving All-Star slugger Freddie Freeman, who had to leave the field due to an injury.
Freeman’s Injury Makes a Shadow
Freeman’s collision with Luis Arráez at first base while trying to avoid a tag resulted in him clutching his lower right leg in agony before limping off the field. Aside from the related incident, the Dodgers (95-64) celebrated their first home clinic since the 2020 season, marked by a shocking absence of fans and the replacement of cardboard boxes due to pandemic restrictions.
Dave Roberts’ Pride in Team Strength
“I couldn’t be prouder of these guys,” said manager Dave Roberts, praising his team’s ability to overcome adversity. A sellout crowd of 52,433, including retired Dodgers star Manny Ramirez, filled Dodger Stadium for the conclusion of a pivotal series between the NL West contenders. Both teams had already clinched their spots in the postseason.
The Game-Changing Seventh Inning
The Padres were leading 2-0, thanks to Joe Musgrove who scored six goals. However, the seventh inning was the turning point. Musgrove’s leadoff hit to Max Muncy was followed by Smith’s 426-yard home run. This was the Dodgers first home game in a three game series.
Fouls and Game Hits
A series of events took place that extended the Dodgers’ lead. Kiké Hernández’s one-out walk and subsequent second baseman on catcher’s interference by Kyle Higashioka set the stage for Shohei Ohtani’s single. Throwing error by Fernando Tatis Jr. allowing Hernández to score and Ohtani to advance to second. Ohtani and Pages followed on a single by Mookie Betts, making it 5-2. Pages then added a two-strikeout, two-out, two-run homer in the eighth.
Pitchers Musgrove and Buehler in the Spotlight
Musgrove and Walker Buehler had a scoreless duel through the first four innings, before the Padres took a 1-0 lead in the fifth thanks to Arráez’s RBI single. Despite the loss, Musgrove put up impressive numbers, allowing just two runs and five hits in his 6 1/3 innings, with six strikeouts and one walk. Buehler gave up one run and five hits in five innings with one strikeout and one walk.
Winning and Losing in the Bull
Anthony Banda (3-2) got the win in 1 1/3 innings of relief, while Padres reliever Tanner Scott (9-6) took the loss, giving up three runs and three hits on 2- third of the inning.
Looking Forward
The Padres are yet to announce their starter for Friday’s opener against Arizona. Meanwhile, the Dodgers scheduled a bullpen game to open their series against the Colorado Rockies’ Cal Quantrill (8-10, 4.72 ERA) on the same day.
