The Dodgers responded with determination this weekend, sweeping the San Diego Padres and reclaiming the lead in the National League West Division. With solid pitching and timely hitting, they won all three matchups to move two games ahead of the Padres.
On Friday, Clayton Kershaw led the charge from the mound, securing a 3–1 victory. Saturday was dominated by left-hander Blake Snell, who threw six innings of two-hit baseball, while Teoscar Hernández blasted his 20th home run of the season in a commanding 6–0 win. To close out the series, Sunday turned into an offensive showcase: Freddie Freeman hit his 15th home run and Mookie Betts added a decisive blast in the eighth inning, breaking a 4–4 tie and sealing the 5–4 triumph. Notably, Shohei Ohtani did not contribute in this series, neither pitching nor hitting.
With this performance, the Dodgers not only displayed consistency but also character, reinforcing their status as defending champions and sending a clear message in the final stretch of the season. If they maintain this level of play, they will be in a strong position to remain division leaders and enter the postseason with momentum.
What does this sweep mean for the Dodgers in the NL West race?
It represents a statement of authority at the perfect time: they retake first place, pull away from the Padres, and strengthen their confidence heading into the season’s final push.
