The Los Angeles Dodgers continue their free fall

After remaining tied in the National League West standings during Tuesday’s game, the San Diego Padres seized control of the top spot on Wednesday, while the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to battle for second place in the division. Tensions are high as the 2025 Major League Baseball regular season nears its finale.

Dave Roberts’ Dodgers were once again defeated by the Los Angeles Angels, completing a series sweep and extending their struggles to a 12-21 record over the last 33 games. Mike Shildt’s Padres enter this third head-to-head matchup with a much stronger 23-12 record over the same stretch.

Despite another setback against the Angels, Shohei Ohtani had a notable outing on Wednesday, pitching 4.1 innings while allowing five hits and four earned runs, with seven strikeouts. Although he couldn’t contain his former team’s offense, one highlight that will linger in viewers’ minds was his spectacular strikeout of Mike Trout, with a 101 mph pitch.

In the third game of their series against the San Francisco Giants, the Padres showcased timely hitting to secure an 11-1 victory at Oracle Park. With standout performances from Fernando Tatís Jr., Jake Cronenworth, Manny Machado, Luis Arráez, and Ramón Laureano, the Petco Park franchise now firmly controls the National League West.

Earlier this season, the Dodgers have demonstrated their own dominance over the Padres, winning five of their seven meetings, while San Diego has taken only two.

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Next Friday at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers and Padres will go all out in the opening game of their final series. Saturday and Sunday’s matchups will be equally crucial, shaping the outcome of the NL West and setting the stage for the 2025 postseason.

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