The Los Angeles Dodgers squandered several opportunities and failed to pick up Dustin May in a 2-1 loss to the San Diego Padres in the opener of their four-game series at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers took an early lead behind a bit of small ball that’s largely been absent for them this season. Luis Perdomo’s first start of the season began with a leadoff walk of Joc Pederson followed by Mookie Betts’ base hit.
Cody Bellinger then had a bit of luck on his side as a line drive skipped off Eric Hosmer’s glove and rolled into right field for an RBI single. Perdomo managed to limit the damage, though in large part benefitting from Betts getting caught in a run down between third base and home plate for the second out.
The first inning was all for Perdomo as the Padres relied on a bullpen game. Their relief pitchers managed to keep the Dodgers quiet, even Cal Quantrill who immediately ran into trouble in the fourth inning.
Justin Turner’s base hit, Max Muncy’s infield single and Chris Taylor getting hit by a pitch loaded the bases. However, nothing came of it for L.A., because Matt Beaty struck out and Edwin Rios lined into a double play.
That proved costly as Austin Hedges connected on a game-tying solo home run with two outs the following inning. Prior to that May had excelled in keeping San Diego off the board.
He allowed leadoff singles in both the second and third innings but stranded the runner each time. Doing so in the third was particularly impressive as he struck out Fernando Tatis Jr. to leave the tying run 90 feet away.
Manny Machado doubled with one out in the fourth inning and took third on a groundout, though May then retired Eric Hosmer. The Padres’ first baseman got the better of a matchup later in the game, going the other way for a two-out RBI single in the sixth that broke the tie.
The Dodgers left two more runners on base in the seventh inning and went down in order over the final two frames.
Seager still on the mend
Corey Seager missed a third consecutive game due to lower back discomfort, but the Dodgers are still hopeful he will avoid a stint on the 10-day injured list.
“We’re giving him treatment, he’s moving around better,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I’m not sure when he’s going to get back on the field to start running around, taking ground balls, let alone taking swings. Once that date comes, we’ll have more clarity.”
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