Dodgers survive elimination with big offensive showing vs Padres in NLDS
The series now moves to a winner-take-all Game 5 in Los Angeles
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Los Angeles Dodgers aren’t dead yet.
Twenty-seven outs away from elimination, the Dodgers proved why they are the No. 1 seed in the National League with an 8-0 win over the San Diego Padres in Game 4 of the NLDS on Wednesday.
The Dodgers wasted no time, as Mookie Betts, whose postseason struggles are now officially a thing, belted a solo homer in the first. Then, with the bases loaded in the second, Shohei Ohtani and Betts each delivered back-to-back RBI singles.
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Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) celebrates with Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning against the San Diego Padres during game four of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. (Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
In the third, Will Smith blasted a two-run shot to give the Dodgers a 5-0 lead. Tommy Edman added a sac fly in the seventh, and Gavin Lux ripped a two-run homer in the frame for some insurance.
It could be a case of Monday morning quarterbacking for the Padres, as Dylan Cease lasted just 1.2 innings on three-day rest, but Joe Musgrove’s Tommy John surgery certainly doesn’t help matters. However, Bryan Hoeing was the first reliever out, and he wasn’t much better – he was charged with the two earned runs in the third.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) celebrates with second baseman Gavin Lux (9) after scoring in the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres during game four of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. (Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
FRANCISCO LINDOR'S GRAND SLAM LIFTS METS INTO NLCS AS MAGICAL RIDE CONTINUES
It was a bullpen game for the Dodgers, who have been riddled with injuries to their starting rotation all year. But Dave Roberts’ relievers gave him beyond what he could have possibly hoped for. Eight relievers combined to allow just seven hits and two walks on the night - four of those hits came in the final three innings, when the game was already practically out of reach.
The Dodgers took advantage of clutch situations, going 5-for-9 with runners in scoring position. The Padres, meanwhile, went 0-for-9.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the highest-paid pitcher of all time despite not even throwing an MLB pitch until 2025, figures to make the start for the Dodgers in Game 5 – San Diego’s starter is also TBD, but Yu Darvish would be on normal rest if he got the ball.
Alex Vesia #51 of the Los Angeles Dodgers after the third out in the fifth inning during Game Four of the Division Series against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on October 09, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Harry How/Getty Images)
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Game 5 is Friday night at 8:08 p.m. back in Los Angeles. This is the third time the teams have met in the NLDS since 2020, with each team winning one series.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The winner of Friday's game will face the New York Mets for the pennant.
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