Dodgers take Game 1 of the NLDS against the Padres.
The Dodgers take Game 1 of the NLDS against the Padres. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
The Dodgers win Game 1 of the NLDS against the San Diego Padres, winning 5–3 to take a 1–0 series lead heading into Game 2 in LA.
Trea Turner ignited the NLDS in the first inning by hitting a solo home run to deep left on Mike Clevinger in the second at-bat, giving the Dodgers an early 1–0 lead.
The Dodgers got off to an early 5–0 lead at the end of the 3rd inning, with Trea Turner, Will Smith, Max Muncy, and Gavin Lux each driving in a run.
Things got nerve-wracking in the 5th inning for the Dodgers and all the fans watching. A three-run top of the fifth inning brought the Padres right back into the game with a Will Meyers home run off an Uras breaking ball to start the inning.
Trent Grisham had the opportunity to score some additional runs thanks to singles by Jake Cronenworth and Ha-Seong Kim, and he took advantage of one with a groundout to first base. After Austin Nola scored on a sacrifice fly, the Padres were within two runs at 5-3.
In the 5th inning, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts decided to take out starter Julio Urías for righty reliever Evan Phillips, who let the first two runners get on base.
The inning was saved thanks to Phillips striking out Josh Bell and cashing in a beautiful 4–6–3 double play to end the most stressful inning of the game.
From then on, both bullpens shut out all batters, and the score remained unchanged until Chris Martin earned the save to give the Dodgers the victory in the ninth inning.
Urías finished with an ERA of 5.40 with 6 strikeouts, allowing 4 hits, 3 runs, and a home run before being pulled out in the 5th inning.
Game 2’s pitcher matchup will be a tale of former teammates between all-star Clayton Kershaw and former Dodger Yu Darvish.
In his postseason career, Kershaw has a record of 13–12 with an ERA of 4.19, totaling 207 strikeouts and 1 save in 37 appearances in the postseason.
In his career, Yu Darvish is 3–5 with an ERA of 4.50 in 8 appearances in the postseason.
The Dodgers will remain at home on Wednesday for Game 2 against the Padres at 5:37 on ESPN or local stations.
