In a highly anticipated Game 3 of the National League Division Series, the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers delivered an instant classic. After all the off-the-field drama surrounding baseballs being thrown and disputes over their intensity, both teams were eager to just play baseball. The Padres emerged victorious with a dramatic 6-5 win at Petco Park, putting them one win away from advancing to the NL Championship Series.
The game started with a bang as Fernando Tatis Jr., the Padres’ right fielder, hit a two-run homer in the second inning. This marked the highest-scoring postseason inning in franchise history for San Diego. The early offensive surge combined with four solid innings from their bullpen kept Petco Park buzzing throughout the night.
The controversy surrounding Manny Machado added fuel to an already intense game. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts claimed that Machado had thrown a baseball at him during Game 2, leading to boos for Roberts during player introductions. However, Machado brushed off the controversy and focused on winning.
Machado found himself at the center of another pivotal moment in Game 3 when his running altered Freddie Freeman’s throw to second base. This resulted in two men on base for the Padres with nobody out. The team capitalized on this opportunity and took advantage of other small margins throughout the game.
Despite Teoscar Hernández hitting a grand slam for the Dodgers in response, San Diego’s bullpen held strong and closer Robert Suarez secured a four-out save by striking out Gavin Lux. The crowd at Petco Park reached its peak as they celebrated this crucial victory.
With Dylan Cease set to pitch Game 4 on short rest, there is potential for even more excitement as the Padres aim to eliminate their rival Dodgers once again and advance further in postseason play.