A Resilient Comeback
The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a 12-7 victory over the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium, erasing a daunting 6-0 deficit in a display of offensive dominance. Despite a rocky start from pitcher Roki Sasaki, the Dodgers recorded a season-high 17 hits to overcome the Padres in the series opener.
Manager Dave Roberts praised the team’s ability to pivot after a sluggish start. “Thankfully, it played out the way I didn’t expect,” Roberts said following the win. The victory marks the Dodgers’ fifth win in their last seven games against division rivals, extending their lead in the National League West to 13 games over both San Diego and Arizona.
Sasaki’s Ongoing Concerns
While the offense thrived, the performance of Roki Sasaki remained a focal point of concern. The second-year right-hander lasted only three innings, surrendering three home runs and seven hits before being pulled by Roberts. This continues a troubling “June swoon” for the pitcher, who has allowed 19 runs in 17 innings over his last four starts.
Both Roberts and catcher Dalton Rushing noted that the team would investigate whether Sasaki is “tipping pitches,” a theory supported by the Padres’ ability to connect on nearly every offering. Sasaki, speaking through an interpreter, maintained that his “stuff” was not the issue, but acknowledged a need to improve his command.
Bullpen and Offensive Surge
The Dodgers’ bullpen was instrumental in the comeback, with six pitchers combining to cover the final six innings, allowing only one run. Offensively, the team saw contributions across the lineup. Dalton Rushing hit his 10th home run of the season, while Kyle Tucker and Max Muncy provided critical RBI hits to spark the four-run fourth inning. The win marked the Dodgers’ 14th game this season with double-digit scoring, matching their total for all of 2025.