The Los Angeles Dodgers were a bit slow to get going but they emerged from a weeks-long rut with timely hits in a 5-4 comeback win over the San Diego Padres that snapped a two-game losing streak. The Dodgers also avoided dropping their first series and now can go for a split.
They immediately fell into a deficit as Fernando Tatis Jr. slugged a leadoff home run in the first inning. During his home run trot, Tatis turned toward the Padres’ dugout and covered one eye in a bit of a mocking manner to Bauer’s tendency to pitch that way on occasion.
That was just the start of a big night as he later broke a 2-2 tie in the sixth inning with his second home run of the game. For that celebration, Tatis flipped his bat coming out of the batter’s box and did the Conor McGregor strut — another of Bauer’s acts — after crossing home plate.
Those were two of five hits Bauer allowed over six innings. He finished with nine strikeouts and was pleased with the command of his slider and curveball.
Although Bauer surrendered a second home run to Tatis, he exited with a lead thanks to the Dodgers’ rallying in the bottom of the sixth inning. It was reminiscent to Blake Snell being removed from Game 6 of the World Series last year.
Singles by Sheldon Neuse, Chris Taylor and Matt Beaty loaded the bases, and Mookie Betts’ walk tied the game. Corey Seager then delivered what was a game-winning two-run single up the middle. “We just put some good swings on balls,” he said after the win.
“We grinded tonight. We’ve been unlucky here in the last couple days, and just to finally get some hits through was nice.”
Kenley Jansen stranded two runners when he entered in the eighth inning and worked around a walk and stolen base in the the ninth to convert the four-out save.
Dodgers look to avoid series loss
Saturday’s win has the Dodgers in position to earn a split with the Padres and avoid their first series loss of the season. L.A. is the only team in baseball that has yet to lose a series this year.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, participate in our shows and giveaways, and more!
