NLDS Game 3: Padres Defeat Dodgers, Series Shifts to San Diego
The San Diego Padres staged a thrilling comeback in Game 3 of the NLDS, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-4 in extra innings, shifting the series back to San Diego for a crucial Game 4.
The Dodgers, who had dominated the Padres in the regular season, were poised to take a commanding 3-0 series lead, leading 4-2 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning. However, the Padres, fueled by the roar of their home crowd, rallied back in dramatic fashion.
A Ninth-Inning Comeback
With the Dodgers seemingly in control, Padres manager Bob Melvin made a strategic decision to bring in his closer, Josh Hader. Hader, a dominant force throughout the season, had struggled in recent appearances, but he stepped up in this crucial moment.
Hader, known for his powerful fastball and devastating slider, induced a groundout from Mookie Betts for the first out. The next batter, Freddie Freeman, a dangerous hitter, reached base on a single, but Hader escaped the jam by getting Trea Turner to ground into a double play, ending the top of the ninth.
The Padres, down by two runs, needed a spark. They got it from their young star, Juan Soto. Soto, acquired in a blockbuster trade before the deadline, has been a force in the playoffs, and he delivered again in this game.
Soto, facing Brusdar Graterol, the Dodgers' closer, crushed a towering solo home run to right field. The home run, Soto's third of the postseason, ignited the crowd and brought the Padres back within a run.
Extra Innings Drama
The game went into extra innings, and the tension reached a fever pitch. The Padres had a golden opportunity to win it in the bottom of the 10th. After a leadoff single by Ha-Seong Kim, Manny Machado stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded. Machado, known for his clutch hitting, delivered a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Kim and giving the Padres a 5-4 victory.
The Padres’ Momentum
The Padres' victory in Game 3 was a testament to their resilience and fighting spirit. They never gave up hope, even when they were down by two runs in the late innings. This victory has shifted the momentum of the series back to San Diego.
The Padres will now host Game 4, with a chance to even the series at 2-2. With the home crowd behind them, the Padres will be looking to build on their momentum and send the series back to Los Angeles for a decisive Game 5.
Key Takeaways
- The Padres' comeback victory shows their ability to overcome adversity.
- Juan Soto's home run in the ninth inning provided a much-needed spark for the team.
- Manny Machado's clutch hitting in the 10th inning won the game for the Padres.
- The series is now back in San Diego, where the Padres have a chance to even the series.
FAQs
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Who won Game 3 of the NLDS? The San Diego Padres won Game 3, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-4 in extra innings.
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What was the score after nine innings? The Dodgers led 4-2 after nine innings.
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Who hit the home run for the Padres? Juan Soto hit a solo home run in the ninth inning.
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What is the series score now? The series is now 2-1 in favor of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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Where is Game 4 being played? Game 4 will be played at Petco Park in San Diego.
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What is the significance of Game 4? The Padres have a chance to even the series at 2-2.
Conclusion
The Padres' Game 3 victory was a thrilling and dramatic win that has shifted the momentum of the series back to San Diego. The Padres will be looking to capitalize on their newfound momentum and even the series in Game 4. The NLDS is far from over, and the battle for the National League pennant is shaping up to be a thrilling one.
