Padres drop close game to Dodgers 5-4

Chavez Ravine- Los Angeles, California

In the sixth game of the 2021 season between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers, there was plenty of action.

The two teams did not disappoint as they delivered yet another entertaining game that went back and forth in terms of momentum. It was truly must-see TV.

Fernando Tatis Jr. led off the game for the Padres with his fifth homer of the season. The blast to left measured 103.7 mph off the bat. As Tatis rounded first base, he turned around to his teammates in the dugout and covered one of his eyes. That would not be the first taunt directed at Dodgers’ starter Trevor Bauer by Tatis.

In the 6th inning, Tatis untied the game with a solo shot (his 6th of the season) giving the Padres a 3-2 lead. As the star slugger crossed home, he mimicked the motions of Trevor Bauer with a particular walk that the Dodgers’ starter usually displays after leaving the pitching mound. Fernando Tatis Jr. put on a show. Baseball fans enjoyed it and they weren’t the only ones.

Bauer was asked about Tatis and what he did to celebrate his home runs, “You give up a homer, a guy should celebrate. It’s hard to hit in the big leagues. I’m all for it, and I think it’s important that the game moves in that direction,” Bauer said after the game. An honest answer and kudos for the Dodgers starter for not getting offended.

The Padres held a lead late as Blake Snell pitched much better in this start against the Dodgers. The left-handed pitcher went 5 1/3 innings, allowing seven hits and two runs. He struck out seven in the game and walked two. Snell departed with nobody on in the 6th inning, having thrown 87 pitches.

Jayce Tingler went to the bullpen, but Pierce Johnson was not sharp. He gave up three straight hits and then walked Mookie Betts with the bases loaded. Tim Hill relieved him and allowed a two-run single to Corey Seager, giving the Dodgers a 5-3 lead. Apparently, Drew Pomeranz needed the night off, and the manager also wanted to rest Emilio Pagan.

Aaron Northcraft made his major league debut in a tight game. The right-handed pitcher threw two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and a walk. Jayce Tingler showed a lot of confidence in the pitcher and spoke about him after the game. “It was huge. The first two guys got on, and he settled in,” Tingler said of Northcraft, who helped preserve the Padres bullpen.

The Padres rallied in the 9th to make things interesting as Luis Campusano drew a one-out walk and pinch-runner Jorge Mateo stole second base with Fernando Tatis Jr. at the plate. Tatis sent a well-hit grounder up the middle, but the Dodgers were in a shift and fielded the ball with ease. Dodgers’ close Kenley Jansen struck out Trent Grisham with a fastball to end the game. L.A. avoids the sweep in a game that could have been won by either team.

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The two teams will conclude their four-game set on Sunday as Joe Musgrove and Dustin May will battle.

Manger Jayce Tingler indicated that all hands were on deck for this final game as the Padres hope to win the series against their rival. The first pitch is scheduled for 4:08 PST.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.