Padres Secure Victory Over Dodgers Amidst Controversy

LOS ANGELES: At Dodger Stadium on Thursday, Xander Bogaerts’ home run propelled the San Diego Padres to a 5-3 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Bogaerts put the Padres ahead 1-0 in the second inning with his fourth homer, his first since May 14. The Padres then extended their lead to 2-0 in the fifth.

With three runs scored and one RBI, Bogaerts’ performance hinted at a possible solution to the Dodgers’ pitching, especially after the Padres suffered six losses in their previous seven encounters. Jake Cronenworth added an RBI, while rookie Ryan Bergert contributed with 4 2/3 scoreless innings.

Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (6-6) allowed three runs on seven hits over six and one-third innings. In the ninth inning, Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. faced a challenge from Dodgers rookie Jack Little during his MLB debut.

Shohei Ohtani was struck on his right shoulder blade by a 100 mph fastball in the ninth inning, marking the eighth instance of a batter being hit during the intense series.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested that the Padres intentionally targeted Shohei Ohtani. Roberts stated, “The pitcher was throwing across his body to hit Shohei high and inside. That’s a very fast pitch. I am unsure how often Suarez has hit left-handed batters with fastballs, but the intention seemed clear.”

Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers is scheduled to compete against MacKenzie Gore of the Nationals on Friday. Nick Pivetta of the Padres will face Michael Lorenzen of the Royals.