Tatis Powers Padres to Thrilling NLDS Game 3 Win Over Dodgers

Fernando Tatis Jr.’s clutch two-run home run was the highlight of a thrilling six-run second inning that propelled the San Diego Padres to a 6-5 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the NL Division Series. This victory pushed the Padres one step closer to eliminating their fierce rivals, as they now hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series. The intense matchup has set the stage for a crucial Game 4 at Petco Park, where the Padres will aim to clinch the series in front of a raucous, record-setting crowd of 47,744 fans.

Tatis’ homer, a massive blast to left field, broke a 6-1 game wide open and showcased his postseason prowess. His towering shot was his third home run of the series, leaving him just one homer shy of tying the NLDS record. “I feed off the energy of the crowd,” Tatis said, clearly energized by the Petco Park faithful. “When I hit it, I just blacked out. My adrenaline took over.” Tatis’ contribution was critical in a game that saw the Dodgers claw back with a grand slam by Teoscar Hernández, narrowing the gap to 6-5 in the third inning.

The Dodgers’ offensive surge was led by Mookie Betts, who snapped an 0-for-22 playoff slump with a solo home run. Despite the Dodgers’ comeback attempts, the Padres held firm, with reliever Robert Suarez delivering a gutsy four-out save to seal the victory. Suarez struck out Gavin Lux to end the game, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

San Diego’s second-inning explosion came at the expense of Dodgers’ pitcher Walker Buehler, who struggled in his first postseason start since returning from Tommy John surgery. The Padres quickly pounced, with five consecutive batters reaching base and scoring in the inning. Contributions from Xander Bogaerts, David Peralta, and Kyle Higashioka helped build the Padres’ lead before Tatis’ homer capped off the scoring.

Buehler’s performance was shaky throughout the game, allowing six runs on seven hits over five innings, with no strikeouts. He expressed his frustration after the game, saying, “You can’t give up six runs in an inning in the playoffs and expect to win. I put us in a really bad spot.”

Michael King, the Padres’ starting pitcher, also faced his share of challenges, allowing a grand slam to Hernández in the third inning. However, he settled down to pitch five solid innings, giving up five runs and securing his second win of the postseason.

While Shohei Ohtani’s Game 1 heroics helped the Dodgers secure an early series lead, the two-way star struggled in Games 2 and 3. Ohtani went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts in Game 3, leaving the Dodgers in a precarious position as they head into a must-win Game 4.

The Dodgers’ hopes of advancing in the playoffs are now hanging by a thread, and they will need to regroup quickly if they hope to force a decisive Game 5. Freddie Freeman, who praised his team’s fight, noted, “I know Dodgers fans don’t want to hear about fighting and stuff, but I think the positive is Mookie got some hits today and things are looking good.”

As for the Padres, they are just one win away from eliminating their division rivals and advancing to the National League Championship Series. With Tatis leading the charge and the home crowd providing an electric atmosphere, the Padres are confident heading into Game 4.

Will the Dodgers bounce back and keep their season alive, or will the Padres finish the job? All eyes will be on Petco Park as this thrilling NLDS continues.