San Diego Showdown: Dodgers vs. Padres

In San Diego, Mason Miller had a tough night on the mound Tuesday. It wasn’t just his pitching; it was an off night at first base too.

With the game tied in the ninth at Petco Park, the usual reliable closer made a costly mistake in what was his season debut. It started when he let a full-count slider slip past Max Muncy, allowing Muncy to walk after an ABS challenge on what was a clear strike.

Once Muncy was on first, Alex Cole came in as a pinch runner. Miller caught him breaking off the bag but, well, his pickoff attempt went haywire. Instead of stopping the Dodgers’ momentum, his errant throw was wide and too hard, bouncing off first baseman Ty France’s glove. The ball rolled down the right field line, giving Cole the chance to dash to third.

Ultimately, the Dodgers clinched the game 5-4 after nine tense pitches, with Andy Pages bringing Cole home via a sacrifice fly. It wasn’t exactly what the Padres were hoping for, but the Dodgers didn’t seem to mind.

So far, this important early-season rivalry is now even at one game each. For Miller, it marked the first time this season he couldn’t maintain a lead or tie.

This was only the third run he had allowed all year, and the timing felt crucial for a Dodgers team that had been struggling to capitalize on key moments.

Despite Miller’s gaffe, it took some heroics from Pages to seal the win. After falling behind 0-2, he battled back against Miller, fending off a couple of 100 mph fastballs and sliders at the edge of the strike zone. Finally, on the ninth pitch, Pages knocked a line drive deep enough for Cole to score, touching home just before the tag.

What It Means

The Dodgers momentarily reclaimed first place in the National League West, regaining ground after falling behind following Monday’s shutout loss. Looking ahead, they’re set for a game against Shohei Ohtani on Wednesday.

This was also the first decision loss of Miller’s career. On the other hand, Dodgers reliever Will Klein celebrated his first career save, stepping up after the higher-leverage pitchers were used earlier.

Who Is Hot

Freddie Freeman had been struggling recently, facing an 0-for-16 slump. Manager Dave Roberts noted that he seemed “a little tired” and wasn’t feeling well as he sought to improve at the plate.

However, Tuesday turned out to be a brighter day for Freeman as he hit a pair of home runs, marking his 23rd career multi-home run game. His first homer was a two-run blast over the short left field wall, with his second in the sixth inning tying the game at 4-4. This was a significant turnaround for Freeman, who had only managed one homer in the previous 35 games and hadn’t achieved multiple extra-base hits since early April.

Who Is Not

Emmett Sheehan, the Dodgers’ pitcher, dealt with a short outing, becoming the first this year to pitch on just four days’ rest. He was yanked early after giving up four runs in the fourth inning from only 67 pitches, which isn’t a great sign.

Freeman’s key hits had given the Dodgers the edge, although Manny Machado’s two-run shot earlier had put Sheehan in a tough situation. Sheehan allowed another two-run homer to Miguel Andujar in the third, marking the fourth time this season he couldn’t keep opponents at three runs or less.

It could have turned out worse, though; a fly ball from Ty France landed in a tricky spot, ensuring that runner Jackson Merrill stayed at third.

Sheehan is still searching for that consistent performance, sitting with a 4.93 ERA as the season continues.

To the Next

On Wednesday, Shohei Ohtani (3-2, 0.82 ERA) will take the spotlight again, pitching against breakout right-hander Randy Vazquez (5-1, 2.68 ERA) for the last game of the series.