introduction,
The dodgers vs padres match player stats always spark interest. When these two NL West teams clash, it’s not just a baseball game—it’s a battle packed with skill, emotion, and big-time performances. These teams aren’t just rivals. They fight for dominance in one of the toughest divisions in baseball.
This time was no different. From home runs to clutch strikeouts, every stat from this Dodgers vs Padres game gives us insight into how each player helped—or hurt—their team’s chances. Whether you’re curious about pitching, hitting, fielding, or base running, we’ve got all the key numbers here.
So let’s break down the dodgers vs padres match player stats, one at-bat and pitch at a time—and learn what really happened in this close game.
The Starting Pitchers: Kershaw vs Musgrove
The game began with two strong starters: Clayton Kershaw for the Dodgers and Joe Musgrove for the Padres.
Kershaw pitched 6.1 innings. He gave up 2 runs, struck out 7, and allowed just five hits. He used his curveball and fastball combo to keep hitters guessing. At age 35, he’s still dominant—something that really shows in the dodgers vs padres match player stats.
Musgrove had a slightly tougher outing. He went 5 innings, gave up 3 runs, and struck out 6 batters. He got into trouble during the third inning when he left a pitch over the plate that Freddie Freeman took deep.
Both starters kept the game tight, and their numbers reflect just how well they handled pressure.
Homer Heaven: Who Hit It Long?
Baseball fans love the long ball, and this game had plenty. The dodgers vs padres match player stats show that both teams went deep—and they did it in important moments.
Freddie Freeman hit a big two-run homer in the third inning. It gave the Dodgers an early lead and energized their dugout.
Mookie Betts followed with a solo shot in the fifth to extend the lead further. His home run flew deep into the left-field stands and made it clear the Dodgers brought their power bats.
On the Padres’ side, Manny Machado brought fans to their feet with a solo home run in the seventh. It nearly started a comeback.
Home runs are game-changers. And in this matchup, they played a major role on both sides.
Key Hits with Runners in Scoring Position
It’s one thing to get hits. It’s another to get them when they matter most—with runners in scoring position. The dodgers vs padres match player stats give us a look at who came through under pressure.
Will Smith had a two-out double in the fifth inning that scored a runner from second base. It was a key swing that tipped momentum in the Dodgers’ favor.
The Padres answered in their half of the sixth, with Fernando Tatis Jr. blooping a hit just past the infield to score a run. He then stole second base, setting up Xander Bogaerts for an RBI single.
When runners are on base, smart and timely hitting wins games. And that was clear in these stats.
Bullpen Performance: Relievers Hold the Line
After the starters left the game, it was up to the bullpens to maintain control. The dodgers vs padres match player stats show which relievers delivered—and which stumbled.
Evan Phillips came in for the Dodgers in the eighth and handled his inning with ease. Then came Brusdar Graterol in the ninth, who closed the game for the save. Neither reliever allowed a hit. That’s the kind of pitching that closes out tight games.
The Padres bullpen had issues in the seventh. Luis García walked a batter, gave up a single, and then allowed a run to score on a sac fly. Josh Hader pitched the ninth successfully, but the damage had already been done.
A solid bullpen makes all the difference. When relievers perform under pressure, it shows who has the playoff mindset.
Defensive Highlights from Both Teams
The best defense doesn’t always show up in box scores. But when you watch or review dodgers vs padres match player stats, some defensive gems stand out.
Mookie Betts made a diving catch in right field in the sixth inning to stop what would have been a two-run double. His glove saved the Dodgers from losing the lead.
On the Padres side, Trent Grisham showed off his arm with a perfect throw to home plate to get Chris Taylor out trying to score from second.
These kinds of plays often get forgotten, but they keep the game close—and the stats prove just how valuable solid defense is.
Base Running: Speed Meets Smart Decisions
Stats are more than batting averages and ERAs. The dodgers vs padres match player stats wouldn’t be complete without looking at base running.
Chris Taylor stole a base in the fourth and later scored on a single from the bottom of the lineup. Mookie Betts also stretched a double into a triple by reading the outfield perfectly.
Tatis Jr. used his speed to steal second, then took third after a wild throw. His baserunning added tension and excitement every time he reached.
These smart base-running choices created extra runs and kept the momentum alive. In today’s game, speed still matters.
Rookie Radar: Young Talent Shines Bright
This game was also a chance for rookies to shine. We can see from the dodgers vs padres match player stats that the newcomers pulled through in key moments.
Miguel Vargas for the Dodgers had a late-game double and made a tough throw from second base to turn a double play. That helped end what could have been a Padres scoring rally.
Jackson Merrill of the Padres picked up a base hit and played error-free defense at shortstop. His fielding kept the Dodgers from getting extra bases.
It’s always exciting to see rookies perform in big games. These two showed they’re ready for the spotlight.
Managers and Their Game-Time Decisions
The dodgers vs padres match player stats also tell us something about the managers. Their decisions made key shifts in momentum and scoring.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts didn’t hesitate to pull Kershaw in the seventh after a leadoff walk. His quick call to the bullpen helped stop the Padres’ rally.
Padres manager Bob Melvin stuck with Musgrove a bit too long, and it cost them a run. He did improve his bullpen choices after that, keeping the game within reach.
Managers may not take the field, but their impact is seen in every matchup—especially in a rivalry like this.
Final Score and Stat Recap
The final stat line shows just how tight this matchup really was—yet another exciting chapter in the Dodgers–Padres rivalry.
Final Score: Dodgers 5, Padres 4
Dodgers: 9 hits, 3 home runs, 1 error
Padres: 8 hits, 1 home run, 0 errors
Team LOB (Left on Base): Dodgers 6, Padres 7
Combined strikeouts: Dodgers pitchers 11, Padres pitchers 9
Every key area in the dodgers vs padres match player stats tells the story—this game was a close call. One big play was all the difference.
Season Impact: What These Stats Mean Going Forward
The dodgers vs padres match player stats don’t just tell us who won—they show where each team stands right now.
The Dodgers have depth. They hit for power, run smart, and their bullpen can close close games. If these player stats continue to trend up, the Dodgers are postseason bound.
The Padres showed they can compete. Machado and Tatis Jr. deliver under pressure. But their mid-relief pitching needs to step up if they want to win nail-biters like these.
Each future matchup between these two will be just as important—and likely just as close.
FAQs
1. Who hit home runs in this game?
Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts hit home runs for the Dodgers. Manny Machado hit one for the Padres.
2. Which pitcher had the most strikeouts?
Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers had 7 strikeouts.
3. How did the bullpens perform?
The Dodgers bullpen was nearly perfect. Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol shut things down. The Padres bullpen gave up a run in the seventh.
4. Were there any stolen bases?
Yes. Chris Taylor and Fernando Tatis Jr. each stole a base.
5. What was the final score between the Dodgers and Padres?
The Dodgers won the game 5–4, thanks to timely hits and strong defense.
6. Did rookies make an impact in the game?
Yes. Miguel Vargas (Dodgers) and Jackson Merrill (Padres) each had a hit and strong defensive plays.
Conclusion
The dodgers vs padres match player stats tell us more than just runs and hits. They show us effort, talent, and heart. Yes, the Dodgers came away with the W, but both teams played like it truly mattered.
Freeman’s bat was blazing. Kershaw showed veteran leadership. Tatis Jr. proved he’s still one of baseball’s most exciting players. And rookie names like Vargas and Merrill reminded us the future is bright.
This stat sheet could be a preview of a future playoff game—and we wouldn’t complain. Two star-studded teams, playing hard, giving fans a memorable night of baseball.
