Padres secure postseason berth with a 4-2 victory over the NL West-leading Dodgers in opener of pivotal series

Manny Machado executed a game-ending triple play, leading the San Diego Padres to secure a postseason spot with a 4-2 victory over the National League West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday evening.

Jake Cronenworth contributed significantly with an early two-run home run for the Padres, who are currently on a winning streak and have guaranteed at least a National League wild card with five games remaining in the regular season. This victory brought them within two games of the Dodgers, with two crucial games left in their series at Dodger Stadium.

“It is crucial to extend our lead back to three,” remarked Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

In the ninth inning, after the Dodgers managed to score once, they had runners on first and second base when Miguel Rojas hit a sharp ground ball to Machado at third. The former Dodger stepped on the base and completed a triple play, effectively ending the game.

“We must acknowledge Manny's exceptional play,” Roberts stated.

The Dodgers encountered two double plays earlier in the contest.

San Diego's celebration faced a temporary halt when the Dodgers contested the out call at second base; however, the original ruling was confirmed after a review of the replay.

“It’s surprising,” Roberts remarked regarding the conclusion. “It’s the least expected result.”

The second-place Padres have secured victories in four consecutive games and nine out of their last ten. San Diego holds the tiebreaker over Los Angeles, boasting an 8-3 record in their direct encounters.

“We will relish tonight, savor this game, and celebrate,” Machado stated, “but our task is not yet complete.”

The Dodgers' magic number to secure the division title remains at four.

San Diego scored four runs with two outs in front of a crowd of 50,369, who created an atmosphere reminiscent of the playoffs for the opening game of this significant three-game series. They chanted “MVP! MVP!” in support of Shohei Ohtani while vocally expressing their discontent towards Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr.

“How much better can it get in a challenging situation than having Ohtani in the on-deck circle when we execute a triple play to conclude the game against one of the top teams in baseball?” Machado commented.

Cronenworth had not recorded any RBIs in September until he achieved three against the Padres' primary rivals, which included his 12th career home run against the Dodgers. Prior to this, he had gone 50 at-bats without an extra-base hit.

Padres starting pitcher Michael King (13-9) permitted one unearned run and three hits over five innings, striking out three batters and issuing two walks.

San Diego increased its lead to 4-1 in the fourth inning, thanks to an RBI single from Xander Bogaerts and an RBI double from Cronenworth.

The Dodgers managed to score in the first inning due to a throwing error by Bogaerts at shortstop, which allowed Ohtani to score after leading off with a ground-rule double on the first pitch he faced. This marked Ohtani's 95th extra-base hit of the season, setting a franchise record.

Mookie Betts reached first base when Bogaerts' throw on a routine ground ball went into the Padres' dugout, enabling Betts to advance to second base.

"We had chances, but the only run we managed to score was a gift from an error," Roberts commented. "We simply could not capitalize with runners in scoring position."

Rookie starter Landon Knack (3-5) surrendered four runs and five hits in four innings for Los Angeles, striking out four and walking one.

The right-hander struggled in the fourth inning, requiring 39 pitches after having thrown only 38 in the first three innings. Knack also committed a balk and a wild pitch, while the Padres successfully stole a base during that inning.

The Dodgers left the bases loaded in the second inning when Betts struck out swinging.

In roster news, the Dodgers transferred RHP Gavin Stone (right shoulder) to the 60-day injured list. LHP Anthony Banda (broken left hand) completed a bullpen session and is expected to return in the coming days. LHP Clayton Kershaw (toe) will not face hitters this week.

UP NEXT
Padres: RHP Dylan Cease (14-11, 3.42 ERA) is set to make his final start before the postseason.

Dodgers: RHP Jack Flaherty (13-7, 3.10) is holding opposing hitters to a .233 batting average.