Dodgers Recap: Dodgers Sweep Padres Behind Mookie Betts’ Go-Ahead Homer, Take Over First Place in NL West
Game 124, 8/17/2025: Dodgers 5, Padres 4
CHAVEZ RAVINE – Looking to complete a sweep of the San Diego Padres, the Los Angeles Dodgers turned to right-hander Tyler Glasnow on Sunday. At the same time, veteran Yu Darvish got the nod for San Diego in what shaped up as one of the most critical matchups of the season.
Glasnow rose to the occasion, striking out eight over five innings of work. The Dodgers’ ace allowed two runs on six hits and one walk, throwing 91 pitches (62 for strikes). While not spotless, Glasnow set the tone early and gave the Dodgers exactly what they needed to keep momentum rolling.
The offense quickly backed him up. Freddie Freeman started the scoring in the first inning with a three-run homer to center, and Andy Pages matched it shortly after with a solo shot, giving the Dodgers a 4-0 lead.
San Diego battled back in the third on a Fernando Tatis Jr. RBI double, trimming the deficit to 4-1. Glasnow, however, quickly settled down to escape without further damage. Ramón Laureano added a solo homer in the fifth to bring the Padres within 4-2, and San Diego threatened with two runners in scoring position later that inning. But once again, Glasnow held firm to preserve the lead.
After five, the Dodgers turned to their bullpen. Anthony Banda recorded just one out in the sixth before surrendering a run, forcing manager Dave Roberts to call on Ben Casparius, who worked out of the jam. In the bottom half, the Dodgers looked to add insurance with two runners on, but Alex Call, pinch-hitting for Michael Conforto, struck out against Padres lefty Adrian Morejon.
Blake Treinen pitched a scoreless seventh to protect the Dodgers’ slim lead, but San Diego tied the game in the eighth. However, that tie didn’t last long. In the bottom half, Mookie Betts delivered the decisive blow, hitting a go-ahead homer off Robert Suárez to give the Dodgers a 5-4 lead.
From there, the Dodgers shut the door. Alex Vesia handled the ninth, earning the save and sealing a hard-fought series sweep over San Diego.
The sweep carried significant implications in the NL West race. Entering the series, the Padres held a one-game edge in the standings. By Sunday afternoon, the Dodgers had flipped that margin into a two-game lead, reclaiming first place in the division.
Los Angeles now turns its attention to a road trip at Coors Field, where they’ll open a four-game set against the Colorado Rockies on Monday. Yoshinobu Yamamoto is slated to start as he looks to rebound from his recent loss against the Angels.
