Steve Webb
CHAVEZ RAVINE, CA — It was like a flashback to October 2020. Only unlike the World Series, Austin Barnes wasn’t going to save us from Blake Snell in this one. Instead, the Padres’ lefty and likely Cy Young winner this year just mowed through the Dodgers’ batting order, surrendering only one hit in six innings en route to a 6-1 win and series victory for San Diego. It was sub-optimal.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ starter Ryan Pepiot didn’t pitch badly, but two swings were enough to hand him his first loss of the year. Juan Soto hit a solo home run in the first, and in the fourth inning, catcher Luis Campusano hit a three-run shot that basically gave Snell all the runs he needed. Joe Kelly’s return to action didn’t go great in the top of the seventh, as he gave up a couple more in a wild inning (par for the course with Joe Kelly).
The Dodgers got one run back in the ninth on a Kolten Wong homer, but that was the epitome of “too little, too late” in this game. This one was dominated by the Padres from start to finish. And more specifically, this one was dominated by Blake Snell, with this win, Snell’s ERA for the year drops to 2.43 (1.83 since the All Star break). In his 13 career appearances against the Dodgers, Snell has lifetime 2.59 ERA.
“I think it’s a test in the sense that you’re facing an elite pitcher,” Roberts said of Snell’s performance. “But the preparation, the focus, the importance of every pitch, that’s hard to simulate during the regular season.”
“Yeah, I mean, we’ve faced him quite a bit,” said Dodgers utilityman Chris Taylor. “I thought tonight … I mean, he’s always had success against us. I thought tonight was the best he’s looked since we’ve faced him.”
Blake Snell is going to be a free agent this offseason. One good way to NOT have to face him is to just sign the guy. This team could use a reliable lefty in their rotation, given all that’s happened this year. I’m not sayin’, I’m just sayin…
After a day off on Thursday for travel, the Dodgers face the Mariners up in Seattle. The Mariners, fighting for their playoff lives, will sure to bring a postseason intensity to the series. Let’s see if the Dodgers recipricate. Game time on Friday is 7:10 pm. Bobby Miller vs. George Kirby.
