The Los Angeles Dodgers are laughing their way to the top of the National League West division after stealing a series win over the feisty San Diego Padres. Despite injuries to key players such as Cody Bellinger and Corey Seager, the Dodgers continue to find ways to win. In game three of the series, they overcame a three-run deficit to prevail 5-4 and leave the Padres laughing no more.
The game was a classic example of the Dodgers’ resilience and depth. Despite starting pitcher Trevor Bauer struggling early on, giving up three runs in the first two innings, the rest of the team rallied around him. The Dodgers’ bullpen was particularly impressive, keeping the Padres’ potent offense at bay and shutting them out for the final six innings of the game.
Perhaps the biggest moment of the game came in the ninth inning, when Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. stepped up to the plate with the game tied at 4-4. Tatis had already hit two home runs earlier in the game, and the Dodgers knew they couldn’t let him do any more damage. With two outs and a runner on second, Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen struck out Tatis on a 94 mph fastball to end the inning and keep the game tied.
The Dodgers then took advantage of the momentum shift in the top of the tenth inning. Pinch-hitter Edwin Rios hit a towering home run to right field to give the Dodgers a 5-4 lead, and the Padres were unable to answer in the bottom half of the inning.
The win was a statement victory for the Dodgers, who are now 16-9 and tied for first place in the NL West. Despite injuries to key players, including reigning NL MVP Bellinger, the team has rallied around each other and found ways to win. They’ve also shown incredible depth, with players like Rios and Chris Taylor stepping up in key moments.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts summed up his team’s performance after the game, saying, “We just don’t quit. I think that’s the DNA of this team.” The Dodgers’ ability to laugh last and “laugh best” has been on full display this season, and they’ll look to continue their winning ways as the season progresses.
