The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres playing 16 innings at Petco Park saw several twists and maddening moments along the way, in addition to MLB records set.
For starter’s, it marked the longest MLB game played this season. The 16 innings also is a new benchmark for games that have gone into extras since the league implemented the runner on second base rule beginning in 2020.
“I’m pretty beat, but you feel a lot better after a win,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said following the 5-3 victory. “Almost a six-hour game, to stay focused like that, mentally fatigued. But our guys, I’ve got to give them credit. I don’t even know how many innings we played.”
Prior to Wednesday’s marathon that spilled into the early morning hours on Thursday, the longest MLB game under the current format was 13 innings, which has been done four times.
Fueling the seemingly never-ending game was both the Dodgers and Padres squandering opportunities with men on base. The Dodgers failing to score a run in four consecutive extra innings set a new MLB record under the current rules — and along with the Padres they extended that mark to five frames.
“I thought we played it right. We had chances to drive guys in, move the ball forward and situationally some things,” Roberts said. “They made some plays when they had to, and some pitches. There was just a lot going on in that game. I don’t think any game lasted this long since that rule was implemented.
“All the players that were used, and managing the intentional walks, it was a crazy game. I’m just happy for the guys. A lot of good things and we came away with a win.”
Fernando Tatis Jr. clubbing a two-run home run in the 15th and AJ Pollock following suit in the 16th made for MLB history as well. The two players combined for the first time two multi-run homers were hit in the 15th inning or later of the same game.
Tonight’s Dodgers-Padres game is the first game in MLB history to have 2 multi-run home runs in the 15th inning or later.
Dodgers set franchise record for intentional walks
With the Padres out of position players upon completion of the 10th inning, they later found themselves needing to have a pitcher pinch-hit with the bases loaded. That occurred twice, and each time with the Dodgers issuing two intentional walks with two outs.
“I just think it’s more of trying to figure out the best way to extend the game,” Roberts explained. “I wouldn’t say test luck, it was more educated decision-making. The pitcher still has to make pitches when you load the bases.
“I liked the pitcher versus pitcher matchup, and those guys did what they needed to do. Credit goes to the players.”
The Dodgers set franchise and Major League records with eight intentional walks against the Padres. The organization’s previous high was six intentional walks by Brooklyn during a 20-inning win against the Boston Bees on July 5, 1940.
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