The Los Angeles Dodgers left San Diego with more than just a win — they took the series, the NL West lead, and most importantly, a spark from one of their struggling sluggers.
In a crucial midweek matchup against the Padres, Teoscar Hernández broke out of a deep offensive funk with a towering three-run home run in the sixth inning, lifting the Dodgers to a 5-2 victory and giving them a two-game edge atop the division.
Let’s break down how LA got it done.
Teoscar Hernández Breaks Out in Big Way
For weeks, Teoscar Hernández had looked lost at the plate. Since returning from an adductor strain in May, he was batting just .171 over 20 games, with only one home run since April 28.
So when manager Dave Roberts dropped him out of the cleanup spot earlier that day, it wasn’t a surprise — though it stung for a player who once led the team in RBIs.
But in the top of the sixth, everything changed.
With the game tied and runners on base, Hernández faced Padres reliever Jeremiah Estrada — and crushed a 2-and-1 fastball into straightaway center field for a 420-foot blast. The three-run shot gave the Dodgers a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
“It felt really good,” Hernández said after the game. “I’ve been working hard every at-bat trying to get back to where I was before I got hurt.”
It was his 11th home run of the season , and it extended his team-leading RBI total to 47 .
Casparius Steps Up in Starting Role
Making the start in place of originally scheduled starter Justin Wrobleski, rookie right-hander Ben Casparius showed why the Dodgers are moving him into the rotation.
Casparius went four innings, allowing just one run , while showing poise beyond his experience level. He now owns a 2.93 ERA this season across both starting and relief appearances.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed after the game that Casparius will remain in the starting role going forward — at least until some of the injured starters return.
“He obviously came up as a starter,” Roberts said. “And where we are right now, he’s certainly showing that he’s one of five.”
Defensive Magic From Andy Pages
If you’re a fan of highlight-reel defense, then Andy Pages is your guy.
In the second inning, Pages saved what could’ve been an extra-base hit — or worse — with a cannon throw from center field. A runner tried to score from second on a single, but Pages fired a 99 mph strike to home plate to nail the runner at the plate.
It was his fifth outfield assist of the season , tied for fifth-most in the majors.
“I haven’t seen anybody play in the outfield at the level he has this year,” Casparius said. “It’s something we all expect now — and he picked me up big time right there.”
Key Moments That Changed the Game
Before Hernández’s heroics, the game was locked in a pitcher’s duel.
Michael Conforto tied the game at 1-1 with a solo homer in the fifth, his first since early April.
Freddie Freeman reached base with a gritty infield single despite playing through a sore ankle and quad.
Will Smith followed with a key walk, setting up Hernández’s go-ahead blast.
In the seventh, reliever Michael Kopech struggled again, walking three batters to load the bases — but Anthony Banda escaped the jam thanks to a heads-up play by Mookie Betts .
Down the stretch, Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia closed the door, sealing the win and the series.
A Win That Feels Like a Turning Point
This wasn’t just another midseason win — it was a statement.
The Dodgers came into San Diego needing a response after dropping the opener, and they got it in full force. With Hernández heating up, Casparius stepping up, and the defense locking in, LA looks ready to take control of the division.
And with the Padres headed to Dodger Stadium next week for another four-game set, this momentum could not have come at a better time.
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