Dodgers score 9 in 6th for biggest inning in San Diego since 1969

SAN DIEGO -- After a quiet series opener at Petco Park, the Dodgers' bats were the driving force behind a strong showing against their rivals, the San Diego Padres. The Dodgers scored nine runs in the sixth inning, highlighted by back-to-back homers from Kyle Tucker and Dalton Rushing, along with a three-run blast from Mookie Betts, leading to a 15-3 victory on Saturday night. This impressive performance set the stage for a rubber game in Sunday’s series finale.

The nine runs scored in the sixth inning marked the Dodgers' highest single-inning score in San Diego since they scored 10 runs in the third inning on June 28, 1969. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Dodgers recorded three nine-run innings through their first 83 games this season, tying for the second-most in a single season in franchise history. Historically, the Brooklyn Dodgers had four nine-run innings in 1890 and 1943.

"That sixth inning, we just did a lot of damage," said Tommy Edman, who went 2-for-4 with three RBIs. "We were taking good at-bats throughout the game and then exploded in that inning. It’s a good indication of how strong our offense is, and we can just come through and explode at any time."

The offensive outpouring provided more than enough run support for starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who pitched six innings, allowing just two runs. The Padres employed left-hander Kyle Hart as an opener before the originally scheduled starter, right-hander Randy Vásquez. This strategy aimed to prevent Vásquez from facing the top of the lineup three times. Hart effectively limited damage through five innings but yielded the first run on a triple by Max Muncy followed by an RBI double from Edman in the second inning. Vásquez, however, struggled in the sixth, managing only one out before the Dodgers surged.

Freddie Freeman started the sixth with a double to right-center and later scored due to a fielding error by Padres second baseman Will Wagner. The inning quickly spiraled for San Diego. Edman tripled to score Muncy, and Tucker hit a two-run homer after a nine-pitch at-bat. Rushing followed with a solo shot.

"There were some pitches early in the at-bat I swung at that didn’t work out, but I got a cutter over the plate that I could handle," Tucker noted. Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts praised Tucker's pivotal at-bat.

An Alex Freeland walk and a single by Shohei Ohtani forced Vásquez from the game. Ron Marinaccio’s relief appearance allowed Andy Pages to walk, loading the bases for Freeman again, who grounded out to score another run. Betts capped the inning with a three-run homer, marking his third consecutive game with a long ball. "He’s showing more intent and less indecisiveness at the plate," Roberts commented.

The Dodgers continued their offensive display in the eighth, scoring four runs driven in by Muncy, Edman, and Tucker. Betts, Edman, and Tucker each finished with multiple RBIs. Throughout the Dodgers' three-city road trip, the offense displayed inconsistent tendencies; however, Roberts expressed satisfaction with the team’s ability to win both blowouts and close contests.

"You’d like it to be spread out more," said Roberts, "but unfortunately, that’s not our choice."