Buehler Leads Padres to Victory Over Dodgers
Walker Buehler showcased an impressive performance on the mound as the Padres triumphed over the Dodgers, 7-1, on Friday night.
After the game, Buehler expressed his satisfaction with the win, noting how significant it was for him to defeat his former team for the first time since joining the Padres.
“The last pitch there was the last out. I really don’t know how I wanted to be out any more,” Buehler mentioned. He added, “I want to kick everyone’s butt. I want to beat everyone, especially in the division. And especially against a team that’s been very successful against the organization I’m in right now.”
In his previous encounters, Buehler had helped keep the Dodgers at bay during pivotal moments, notably in Game 5 against the Yankees in the 2024 World Series. His first outing against the Dodgers as a member of the Red Sox saw him pitching 4 2/3 innings, where he allowed three runs, five walks, and four hits.
This time, Buehler returned to form, pitching over five innings and racking up five strikeouts while contributing at the plate with three hits and a run.
Reflecting on his feelings, Buehler shared, “I think the first game in Boston was, for lack of a bigger word, bigger, more emotional, more loaded. It’s our district team. We’ll be playing against them. We’re happy to get our first win in this uniform at home. We haven’t pitched at Dodger Stadium yet, but it’ll be different.”
He also acknowledged a shift in his pitching approach since joining the Padres. Currently, he’s aiming to keep his pitch count below 100, focusing on delivering five or six scoreless innings so his bullpen can take over effectively.
Over his last eight starts, Buehler has maintained a solid 2.76 ERA, establishing himself as one of the more effective pitchers in the league. Interestingly, he’s been using a sinker more frequently, changing up his pitching sequences to keep hitters guessing.
The Padres and Dodgers will continue their three-game series Saturday night in San Diego, but Buehler’s next scheduled start is set for July 2 against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.
