SAN DIEGO — David Peralta hit a two-run double and Fernando Tatis Jr. added a two-run home run in a six-run second inning as the San Diego Padres held on for a 6-5 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday in Game 3 of the National League Division Series.
Four relievers combined to throw four scoreless innings, with Robert Suarez picking up a four-out save, as the Padres took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series. San Diego moved one victory away from its second visit to the NL Championship Series in three seasons.
Game 4 is set for Wednesday at San Diego.
The Padres sent 10 batters to the plate in the second inning to overcome an early Dodgers lead and set up a similar scenario to the 2022 NLDS, where they lost Game 1 at Los Angeles, then won the next three.
“We’re showing up to play the best baseball we can, especially knowing the type of group that we’re facing,” Tatis said. “We’re just showing up and playing ball.”
Teoscar Hernandez hit a grand slam for the Dodgers, and Mookie Betts homered to end an 0-for-22 stretch in the postseason. Los Angeles starter Walker Buehler (0-1) gave up six runs on seven hits over five innings without a strikeout. Shohei Ohtani went 1-for-4.
After Padres starter Michael King (2-0) gave up five runs on five hits over five innings, Jeremiah Estrada and Jason Adam each pitched a 1-2-3 inning. Tanner Scott recorded two outs in the eighth before Suarez earned his second save of the postseason.
Betts nearly had a home run taken away in the first inning for the second consecutive game by Jurickson Profar, but this time the ball clipped the glove of the Padres left fielder and cleared the wall as Los Angeles took a 1-0 lead.
In the Padres’ six-run second inning, Dodgers infielders Freddie Freeman and Miguel Rojas were unable to turn potential double plays off ground balls.
Manny Machado scored to tie the game 1-1 on the botched double-play attempt by shortstop Rojas.
“At the end of the day, you rethink about it and review the play and all we needed was one out,” Rojas said. “Getting one out there was the play, and I made a bad decision.”
Peralta’s two-run double down the right field line gave San Diego a 3-1 lead before Kyle Higashioka brought home a run on a sacrifice fly.
With two outs, Tatis socked a two-run home run to left-center for a 6-1 lead. It was Tatis’ fourth long ball of the postseason and third in two games.
The Dodgers got back in the game after opening the third inning with three consecutive singles to load the bases, the first from Rojas, who left the game with a groin injury after reaching third base. Hernandez delivered his grand slam to center field, pulling the Dodgers within 6-5.
Rojas said his groin issues resurfaced after his failed double play and grew worse while running the bases.
“I like that we fought and came back after that six-run (Padres) inning,” said Freeman, who will have to assess a painful ankle injury before playing in Game 4. “I know Dodgers fans don’t want to hear about fighting and stuff, but take the positive, come out here (Wednesday).”
Padres manager Mike Shildt said of his team’s position, “It’s good to get two (victories), but it doesn’t matter until we get three. … Confidence is a part of this group. I love the fact that they play with some confidence. Not some, a lot of confidence, some swag. I like the fact that they’re themselves, but they’re respectful and do it in a team setting.
“This team stays grounded and focused, and I’m confident that will only continue.”
–Doug Padilla, Field Level Media
