As the final week of the regular season approached, the Padres and Dodgers found themselves locked in a fierce battle for the National League West division title. Every game felt like a playoff matchup, with each team trading wins and losses.
On October 15, 2024, the Padres hosted the Dodgers at PETCO Park, looking to even the season series. San Diego starter Blake Snell delivered a dominant performance, striking out 12 Dodgers over seven innings.
Manny Machado's two-run homer in the sixth inning proved decisive, as the Padres took a 4-2 victory. The win pulled San Diego within a game of the Dodgers in the division standings.
"We needed this one," Machado said. "We're not going to back down."
The Dodgers responded two days later, taking a thrilling 5-4 win in 10 innings at Dodger Stadium. Cody Bellinger's walk-off single scored Mookie Betts, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
"This is what makes this rivalry so special," Bellinger said. "Every game is a war."
As the season entered its final days, the Padres and Dodgers remained neck and neck. The tension was palpable, with each team aware that one misstep could cost them the division title.
*The Final Showdown*
On October 20, 2024, the Padres and Dodgers met for the final time in the regular season. The game was played at Dodger Stadium, with the division title on the line.
San Diego starter Joe Musgrove pitched five scoreless innings, but the Dodgers' bullpen shut down the Padres' offense. Los Angeles took a 2-0 lead into the ninth inning, courtesy of a Justin Turner two-run homer.
In the top of the ninth, Machado doubled home Jurickson Profar, cutting the deficit to 2-1. With two outs, Eric Hosmer singled, bringing the tying run to third base.
Dodgers closer Craig Kimbrel was summoned to face Padres catcher Austin Nola. The crowd held its collective breath as Nola worked the count full.
On the final pitch, Nola lined a single to center, scoring Hosmer and tying the game 2-2. The Padres' dugout erupted as the team celebrated the stunning comeback.
*Extra Innings Drama*
The game headed to extra innings, with the division title hanging in the balance. In the bottom of the 10th, Bellinger walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch.
With two outs, Betts lined a single to left, scoring Bellinger and securing the division title for the Dodgers.
The Los Angeles dugout emptied as players mobbed each other, celebrating their hard-fought championship.
"We did it," Roberts said, beaming with pride. "This team showed incredible resilience."
Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Padres vowed to regroup and prepare for the postseason.
"We'll learn from this," Melvin said. "We'll come back stronger."
The Padres-Dodgers rivalry had reached new heights, setting the stage for a thrilling postseason showdown.
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