The San Diego Padres are just one win away from a trip to the National League Championship Series after a thrilling 6-5 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3. In front of a roaring home crowd at Petco Park, the Padres held off a late Dodgers surge to take a commanding series lead. Now, the Dodgers must win on Wednesday to force a deciding Game 5 back in Los Angeles and keep their high-priced season alive.
Padres Hold Their Nerve in a Game 3 Thriller
The energy at Petco Park was electric as the Padres secured a pivotal win in a nail-biter. San Diego jumped out to a lead and managed to hang on, thanks to a combination of clutch hitting and a lockdown bullpen performance when it mattered most. The victory puts them in the driver’s seat of the NLDS.
The Padres’ offense came through in key moments, while their bullpen shut the door. San Diego’s success in Game 3 was a true team effort, with several players making crucial contributions.
- Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. provided the offensive spark with timely hits that gave the Padres the edge.
- The bullpen was a standout, holding the potent Dodgers lineup scoreless over the final two innings to protect the slim lead.
- Los Angeles was forced to use reliever Ryan Brasier as an opener, and he struggled, allowing the Padres to capitalize early.
“We know how important this is,” said Padres manager Mike Shildt after the game. “But nothing matters until we get that third win.”
Dodgers Face a Familiar and Uncomfortable Position
For the third year in a row, the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves on the brink of an early exit from the postseason. Despite an offseason spending spree that topped $1 billion and created sky-high expectations, the team is now fighting for its playoff life. The pressure is mounting on a roster built to win a World Series.
The situation became more difficult with the news that All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman was a late scratch for the crucial Game 4. Without Freeman, the Dodgers’ already struggling offense will rely heavily on stars Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani to generate runs. Despite the odds, the team remains publicly confident. “We know we can come back from this,” said an injured Miguel Rojas. “We’ve been doing it all year.”
All Eyes on the Mound for Game 4
The pitching matchup for Game 4 presents a redemption opportunity for one pitcher and a massive challenge for the other. The Padres will hand the ball to Dylan Cease, who will be pitching on short rest. Cease had a difficult start in Game 1, giving up five runs in just over three innings, but he is determined to bounce back. He was a reliable arm for San Diego all season, posting a 14-11 record.
The Dodgers will counter with a bullpen game, starting with veteran reliever Ryan Brasier. While Brasier has postseason experience, he is not a traditional starting pitcher. His ability to navigate the early innings and keep the Padres’ bats quiet will be absolutely critical to the Dodgers’ hopes of extending the series.
Dodgers Announce Revamped Lineup Without Freeman
With their season on the line and their star first baseman sidelined, the Dodgers have significantly shuffled their lineup for Game 4. The changes are designed to spark an offense that has been inconsistent in the series. Max Muncy will shift from third base to first base to cover for Freeman, with other players moving to new positions.
Here is the full starting lineup the Dodgers will send out in their do-or-die game:
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Shohei Ohtani | DH |
| Mookie Betts | RF |
| Teoscar Hernández | LF |
| Max Muncy | 1B |
| Will Smith | C |
| Tommy Edman | SS |
| Gavin Lux | 2B |
| Kiké Hernández | 3B |
| Chris Taylor | CF |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Freddie Freeman not playing in Game 4?
Freddie Freeman was a late scratch from the Dodgers’ lineup for Game 4. While the team has not disclosed the specific reason, his absence is a major blow to their chances of avoiding elimination.
Who is pitching for the Padres in Game 4?
The Padres will start Dylan Cease on the mound for the crucial Game 4. He is pitching on short rest after a tough outing in Game 1 and will be looking to deliver a series-clinching performance.
What happens if the Padres win Game 4?
If the San Diego Padres win Game 4, they will win the National League Division Series 3-1. They would eliminate the Dodgers and advance to the National League Championship Series (NLCS).
What is the Dodgers’ strategy for pitching in Game 4?
The Dodgers are using a “bullpen game” strategy for Game 4, which means they will use a series of relief pitchers instead of a traditional starter. Veteran Ryan Brasier will be the first pitcher, or “opener,” for Los Angeles.
