Fernando Tatis Jr. homered again as the San Diego Padres edged the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-5, taking a pivotal 2-1 lead in the NL Division Series on Tuesday night. Tatis’ powerful two-run shot was the highlight of a six-run second inning that set the tone for the game.
With this victory, the Padres are just one win away from eliminating their fierce rivals, the Dodgers, in the NLDS for the second time in three years. The upcoming Game 4 at Petco Park is expected to draw a record crowd of 47,744 fans, all eager to support their team.
The atmosphere was electric as Robert Suarez struck out Gavin Lux to secure a four-out save, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Tatis’ remarkable homer extended the Padres’ lead to 6-1, but the Dodgers quickly responded. Teoscar Hernández hit a grand slam off Michael King in the third inning, narrowing the gap to just one run.
Mookie Betts also made headlines by hitting a home run, breaking an 0-for-22 playoff slump. Initially, he believed left fielder Jurickson Profar had robbed him of the homer, reminiscent of a similar play from Sunday night. Betts rounded first base and headed toward the dugout before realizing it was indeed a home run, thanks to the encouragement from his teammates and King.
Tatis’ shot into the left-field seats marked his third home run of the series, leaving him just one shy of the NLDS record held by Carlos Beltran and Nick Castellanos. His flair for the dramatic was on full display as he admired his hit, flipped his bat, and acknowledged the dugout before making his way around the bases.
King earned his second win in as many playoff starts, allowing five runs and five hits over five innings. He previously made history with 12 strikeouts in his postseason debut during a Wild Card Series game against Atlanta.
Betts initially gave the Dodgers a 1-0 lead in the first inning, creating confusion among players and fans alike. His fly ball to the left-field corner was reminiscent of a previous game where Profar made a highlight-reel catch. This time, however, the ball slipped off Profar’s glove and into the crowd.
The Padres’ explosive second inning came against Walker Buehler, who was making his first playoff start since undergoing Tommy John surgery. The first five Padres batters reached base, contributing to a significant offensive outburst.
Both teams faced challenges, with the Dodgers loading the bases in the third inning, only for Hernández to deliver a towering shot to center field.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Dodgers: SS Miguel Rojas exited the game in the third inning. Freddie Freeman returned to the lineup after experiencing discomfort in his right ankle but was lifted for a pinch-runner later in the game.
UP NEXT
The Padres are set to start Dylan Cease in Game 4 on short rest, while the Dodgers will opt for a bullpen game as they face elimination. The first pitch at Petco Park is scheduled for 9:08 p.m. Eastern Time on FS1.
