Padres Dodgers NLDS/ Fernando Tatis homer/ Padres Game 3 win/ Dodgers elimination threat/ MLB playoffs 2024/ Newslooks/ SAN DIEGO/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The San Diego Padres defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-5, with Fernando Tatis Jr.’s two-run homer propelling them to a 2-1 lead in the NLDS. Tatis’ blast capped a powerful six-run second inning, while Robert Suarez closed out the win in front of a packed Petco Park. The Padres are now one victory away from eliminating the Dodgers.
Tatis Leads Padres to 6-5 Win over Dodgers – Quick Looks
- Series Edge: Padres take 2-1 NLDS lead over Dodgers.
- Key Moment: Fernando Tatis Jr.’s two-run homer highlights six-run second inning.
- Big Save: Robert Suarez shuts down the Dodgers, securing a tight victory.
- Dodgers Struggle: LA nears elimination after third straight NLDS loss threat.
- Next Game: Padres’ Dylan Cease faces Dodgers bullpen in Game 4.
Padres Edge Dodgers 6-5, Tatis Hits Key Homer
Deep Look
Fernando Tatis Jr. led the charge for the San Diego Padres, belting a towering two-run homer that headlined a six-run second inning in the team’s 6-5 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night. With this win, the Padres take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five National League Division Series, positioning themselves one game away from eliminating the Dodgers for the second time in three years.
In a packed Petco Park filled with 47,744 towel-waving fans, the atmosphere was electric. Robert Suarez sealed the victory with a critical four-out save, striking out Gavin Lux on a full-count pitch to end the game. Fernando Tatis Jr. noted the energy from the crowd, saying, “I feel like I take it to another level; my mindset, my body. Everything is through the roof.”
Padres manager Mike Shildt praised Tatis’ performance in high-stakes moments, saying, “He’s one of the many guys on our team that appreciates and enjoys bright lights and embraces it. He just wants to go play and perform.”
Tatis’ home run, his third in the series, put the Padres ahead 6-1, but Dodgers slugger Teoscar Hernández quickly answered back, launching a grand slam off San Diego starter Michael King in the third inning to tighten the score to 6-5. Dodgers star Mookie Betts also ended a cold streak with a solo homer in the first inning, his first postseason hit since Game 3 of the 2022 NLDS against San Diego.
After a two-run single by David Peralta and a sacrifice fly from Kyle Higashioka, Tatis punctuated the Padres’ scoring frenzy with his long ball into the left-field seats, showcasing his signature flair by flipping his bat and gesturing to the dugout before rounding the bases. Reflecting on his clutch performance, Tatis said, “When I hit it I just blacked out, started screaming at my dugout. Energy through the roof.”
The Dodgers made a late push but couldn’t overcome San Diego’s early lead. Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler, making his first playoff start since undergoing a second Tommy John surgery, took the loss after surrendering six runs on seven hits in five innings, conceding that he “put us in a really bad spot.”
The Padres’ six-run outburst in the second inning set the tone for the night. After Manny Machado singled and advanced on an error, Xander Bogaerts drove in a run with a fielder’s choice, and Peralta delivered a two-run double. Tatis then capped off the inning with his two-run blast, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Michael King earned his second postseason win, allowing five runs over five innings. While King’s outing was shaky, his earlier postseason performance included a historic debut with 12 strikeouts and no walks, solidifying his value to the Padres.
The Dodgers now face elimination in the NLDS for the third consecutive season. However, first baseman Freddie Freeman highlighted their resilience, noting, “I like how we fought back after that six-run inning.”
Betts initially thought his home run had been snagged by Padres left fielder Jurickson Profar, mirroring a near-catch from Sunday night. Betts briefly started toward the dugout before teammates motioned for him to keep running, realizing the ball had cleared the fence.
Shohei Ohtani, who has had a subdued series for the Dodgers, managed just one hit in four at-bats and has struggled overall with a 1-for-8 performance and four strikeouts in the last two games.
The Dodgers’ lineup saw further shakeups due to injury concerns. Shortstop Miguel Rojas exited the game in the third inning, and Freeman, returning from an ankle sprain, was replaced by a pinch runner late in the game after a single.
Looking ahead to Game 4, the Dodgers will rely on their bullpen to extend their season, while the Padres plan to start Dylan Cease on short rest, hoping to capitalize on their home-field momentum.
