Dodgers Shut Out Padres, Tying the Series

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

October 9, 2024

Dodgers 8, Padres 0

After a drama-filled week of play, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres met in Petco Park for the fourth game of the NLDS. Much like the previous games, one team started off hot, and the other team was left to pick up the pieces. The Dodgers hit an extremely early lead, initially spurred by another leadoff home run by Mookie Betts. Dylan Cease started on the mound for the Padres on short rest. The Dodgers sent out their bullpen rather than one of their starters. Despite their efforts, the Padres didn’t manage to score any runs in what could have been an elimination game.

What Went Right for the Padres

They Never Gave Up

Despite the early lead, the Swinging Friars kept on swinging. A few close moments toward the end of the game made it seem like they were about to make some major plays and finally get on the board. Jake Cronenworth hit a triple with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning. A few shots from Manny Machado nearly made their way into the stands but were ultimately shut down by the Dodgers outfield defense.

What Went Wrong for the Padres

Dylan Cease

On only three days rest, Dylan Cease started Game Four of the NLDS. Previously Cease pitched two losing games at Dodger Stadium, collecting seven earned runs from both. This game was his chance at revenge, but after giving up three runs in the first two innings, he was replaced before he could even get the final out to close it. It was not a ceremonial return but not out of the norm considering his previous post-season performance.

What Went Right for the Dodgers

Early Lead

The Dodgers snagged a lead very early on, much to the chagrin of returning Cease. Getting an early five-run lead put them in a defensive position where they managed to hold it all the way to the end, scoring even more in the seventh inning. It was an immaculate performance from their offense that ultimately led them to a blowout victory. However, their bullpen managed to also carry their weight.

What Went Wrong for the Dodgers

Defense

The Padres have come back from a 5-0 deficit before, and there was definitely a chance for that to happen again during this outing. In previous games, the Dodgers have suffered from subpar defensive performances from their outfielders. To rectify this, several defensive switches were made between center field and third base. This seemed to remedy this situation each time the Padres managed to get on base.

Quick Hits

This is the first time the Padres and Dodgers have gone into a decisive fifth game against each other in the postseason.

This will be the first time the Padres reach a fifth game in the NLDS. However, it will not be their first winner-take-all fifth game, as their 1984 NLCS victory over the Chicago Cubs came in the last year the LCS was a best-of-five.

Looking Ahead

Evan Philips picked up the win for the Dodgers, his second in the postseason. Dylan Cease took the loss for the Padres.

Yu Darvish will start for the Padres Friday in Game Five. As of press time, the Dodgers had not yet revealed who will start for their return to Dodger Stadium. First pitch will be at 5:08 pm Pacific on Fox.