The Los Angeles Dodgers collected a second consecutive win in Cactus League play by hanging on 7-6 to defeat the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex.
Ryan Pepiot stranded a pair of baserunners to complete a scoreless first inning, but the Padres found success against Phil Bickford in the second, beginning with Ha-Seong Kim’s leadoff double. He advanced to third base on a groundout and later scored on Brandon Dixon’s sacrifice fly.
The Padres’ 1-0 lead was short-lived as Will Smith tied the game with an RBI single in the third inning. The table had been set by Miguel Vargas, who again drew a walk despite not yet being cleared to swing in games while he recovers from a hairline fracture in his right pinky.
The Dodgers then took the lead in the fourth inning when non-roster invitee Luke Williams hit a mammoth home run to left field. Williams was non-tendered after being claimed off waivers, and the Dodgers later re-signed him to a Minor League contract.
.@will_smith30 gets the #Dodgers on the board with an RBI single! pic.twitter.com/QksD8gGRxL
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) February 27, 2023
Luke Williams solo home run! ☄️ pic.twitter.com/4I3IDK577R
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) February 27, 2023
Devin Mann extended the Dodgers’ lead to 3-1 with an RBI single in the sixth inning.
San Diego quickly responded and received some good fortune in the seventh. An RBI sun-double cut into their deficit, and Trevor Bettencourt’s wild pitch allowed them to pull even.
Brett Sullivan’s RBI single put the Padres ahead in the bottom of the eighth inning, only for the Dodgers to rally in the ninth.
After they loaded the bases with nobody out, James Outman grounded into a double play that tied the game. Ryan Ward’s RBI single put L.A. ahead and Jorbit Vivas provided insurance with a two-run double that proved to be the difference.
Dodgers waiting on Gavin Lux injury news
While the Dodgers put together a late comeback, the day was clouded by Gavin Lux being removed with an apparent right knee injury. Manager Dave Roberts relayed that Lux said he felt a “pop” but the team was remaining hopeful while awaiting results of an MRI.
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