Dodgers Fall to Padres in NL West Standings

For the first time this season, the Los Angeles Dodgers have slipped to second place in the NL West, finishing behind the San Diego Padres. The Padres clinched the top spot with a decisive 11-1 win over the San Francisco Giants, while the Dodgers suffered a close 6-5 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.

Despite this setback, the Dodgers hold a strong position for the playoffs, currently securing the top wild card spot with a 68-53 record. The Padres, however, are just ahead at 69-52. Mookie Betts, an eight-time All-Star, has emphasized the need for the Dodgers to step up their game, as they’ve lost six out of their last ten.

In a recent conversation, Betts expressed the urgency of the situation, especially with trades happening and teams strengthening their rosters. “You definitely start to feel that more when you see a lot of deals and lots of additional teams, especially when you see a team you have to play against.” He mentioned this while discussing his collaboration with Corona on their new “Playa Sound” soundtrack.

“It’s hard to maintain that sense of urgency throughout the season, but now it’s becoming more critical,” he noted. The Padres have been on a roll, winning eight of their last ten games including significant acquisitions at the trading deadline, with General Manager AJ Preller reinforcing their lineup dramatically.

Since the All-Star break, the Padres have gone 17-8 while the Dodgers have struggled at 10-13. These two teams are set to collide in a three-game series starting Friday at Dodger Stadium, which could be pivotal for both sides.

Betts, who has been performing well recently, understands the critical nature of this moment for his team. “The urgency is huge, but you want to strike the right balance. You can’t let the pressure overwhelm you; you still have to enjoy playing the game,” he reflected. “Those who can embrace that urgency are the ones who stand to benefit the most.”

With his experience and three World Series rings, Betts knows better than most what it takes to reach the postseason and compete for the championship. It’s all about finding that focus while also remaining calm—especially as playoff time approaches.

In his partnership with Corona, Betts has been part of creating a soundtrack that he hopes will help players find that “flow state.” “I matched moments from my postseason highlights with calming beach sounds to balance intensity with relaxation,” he shared. “That mix helps me stay centered, ready for those intense moments without getting too caught up in the chaos.”