In recent seasons, a belief has emerged within the Dodgers organization regarding their rivalry with the San Diego Padres. This notion, which began to take shape two Octobers ago, has been further solidified through a competitive division race this year. The Dodgers often find themselves facing the Padres at their fiercest, especially as the rivalry grows more intense. This dynamic was particularly evident during the 2022 playoffs when the underdog Padres shocked the baseball world by eliminating the 111-win Dodgers in a four-game series.
Last season, despite holding a significant advantage in the standings, the Dodgers had to grind out narrow victories against the Padres, indicating a shift in competitiveness. This year, the Padres have taken the upper hand, winning seven out of ten matchups, which has dramatically cut down the Dodgers’ once nine-game division lead to just three games as the season approaches its end.
Acknowledging the Padres’ increased intensity, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts challenged his team to respond effectively. With a crucial three-game series against the Padres on the horizon, the stakes could not be higher: a series victory would secure the Dodgers their third consecutive NL West title and likely grant them a first-round bye in the playoffs, making this matchup critical for their postseason aspirations.
About The Author
