The soap opera which is the National League Division Series actually played a game on Tuesday. Predictably, it was a doozy.
The soap opera which is the National League Division Series actually played Game 3 on Tuesday.
Predictably, it was a doozy.
The Padres defeated the Dodgers, 6-5, to take a 2-1 lead in this best-of-five format.
“It’s good to get two but it doesn’t matter until we get three,’’ Padres manager Mike Shildt said. “This team stays grounded and focused and I’m confident that will continue.”
The Dodgers struck first, although Mookie Betts had to be convinced.
One game after left fielder Jurickson Profar robbed the slumping Betts of a homer, it appeared he did so again when he was sprawled out in the left-field seats.
But this time Betts’ blast ticked off Profar’s glove, although Betts was so convinced Profar caught it that he made a left turn before reaching second base.
That 1-0 lead lasted about as long as it takes to down a margarita — salt or no salt.
The Padres came roaring back with a six-pack of runs in the second when they batted around and battered Dodgers starter Walker Buehler. The key in that frame was a potential double-play ball thrown by Freddie Freeman that bounced off of Manny Machado’s shoulder.
It was a keen move by Machado, as he timed his diversion into Freeman’s throwing path toward second base just as he released the ball from his knees.
“He was at least four feet toward the grass, but that is a great play by him,’’ Freeman said. “We would have done the same thing.
“That is what we are taught.
