The Los Angeles Dodgers achieved a significant series victory over their NL West rivals this past weekend, largely attributable to a decisive home run from Mookie Betts on Sunday afternoon.
Betts, after the San Diego Padres had mounted a comeback from a four-run deficit and leveled the score, launched a solo home run over the left field wall at Dodger Stadium. This gave the Dodgers a 5-4 advantage, ultimately leading to their one-run victory.
The former MVP has experienced a challenging season, and currently holds a career-low .241 batting average.
The Dodgers established an early lead on Sunday, propelled by a three-run homer from Freddie Freeman and a solo shot from Andy Pages in the first inning off Yu Darvish. The Padres then gradually fought their way back into the game, and Jose Iglesias drove in Xander Bogaerts in the eighth inning to equalize the score.
Sunday’s victory followed a 6-0 win over the Padres on Saturday and a close 3-2 win on Friday. This three-game sweep marked the Dodgers’ first since they swept the Chicago White Sox in early July. The Padres haven’t experienced a sweep since mid-May.
These victories also occurred at a crucial juncture for the Dodgers, and not solely because it ended a four-game losing streak. They were beginning to lose their advantage in the NL West race amid a recent surge from the Padres, who entered the series on a five-game winning streak. The Padres had established a one-game lead in the division race after they defeated the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday.
However, thanks to the sweep, which advanced them to 71-53, the Dodgers now possess a two-game lead once more and stand alone at the summit.
While they currently hold the lead, a significant portion of the season remains. The Padres will have numerous opportunities to rally and secure the division title — a feat they haven’t achieved since 2006. The two teams will rematch with a three-game series at Petco Park commencing on Friday, meaning the standings could easily revert over the next week.
But for the time being, at least, the Dodgers have reclaimed their NL West lead.
