Freddie Freeman drove in three runs, Will Smith and Tommy Edman hit home runs, and the Los Angeles Dodgers inched closer to the best record in the National League with a 7-0 victory over the visiting San Diego Padres in the opener of a three-game series Tuesday. Eight Dodgers pitchers held down the red-hot Padres offense in a bullpen game, with Justin Wrobleski (12-5) earning the win. Roki Sasaki struck out two in one inning in his return from a blister issue.
The Dodgers extended their home winning streak to 11 games. Los Angeles moved to within one game of the NL-best Milwaukee Brewers and reduced its magic number for a top-two NL spot and a bye into the NL Division Series to one. Rookie designated hitter Josue De Paula had two hits with a run scored for the Dodgers, with Shohei Ohtani expected to return from a biceps injury as a hitter Wednesday.
Luis Campusano had two hits for the Padres, whose magic number to clinch a playoff spot remained at two. Right-hander Michael King (12-10) gave up five runs on six hits over four innings, his most runs allowed in a start since May 30. It was just the second loss in 15 games for San Diego, which is close to locking up a third consecutive playoff berth for the first time in franchise history.
The Dodgers took advantage of King’s loss of command to start a four-run outburst in the second inning, all with two outs. The Dodgers loaded the bases on two singles and a hit batter, while Edman and Mookie Betts both walked to force in runs. Freeman followed Betts with a two-run single for a 4-0 lead.
Freeman added a run-scoring single in the fourth inning, while Edman hit a home run in the sixth and Smith hit his in the seventh. Edman homered for the second straight game, while Smith went deep in his third consecutive start. The Dodgers welcomed back Andy Pages from a broken left hand, and he was hit by a pitch and drew a walk in four plate appearances.
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