Pages Shines in Dodgers' Win Over Padres

SAN DIEGO -- Andy Pages won a tense duel against Mason Miller, leading the Dodgers to a late victory over the Padres. The pivotal clash unfolded in the ninth inning with the game tied and one out, as Alex Call stood on third base after avoiding a pickoff thanks to a wild throw from Miller. Pages, who began the at-bat down 0-2, demonstrated remarkable resilience. He fouled off a slider and a high fastball, then took a low slider before fouling off three more pitches. Ultimately, he connected with a 101.5 mph fastball, driving it to right field just deep enough to challenge Fernando Tatis Jr.'s arm. Call was sent home, crossing the plate safely after a successful appeal against the Padres' challenge. This thrilling sequence helped the Dodgers secure a 5-4 victory, leveling the three-game series at Petco Park.

Freddie Freeman, who had homered twice earlier in the game, expressed admiration for Pages' remarkable at-bat: "It was one of the greatest at-bats I've ever seen in person. To hit 95 [mph] is hard; to hit 100 is even harder; to hit 102 is probably the hardest thing to do. Foul off 102s back to back? One of the best at-bats I've ever seen."

Pages faced Miller, who had been scoreless in 20 of his 21 appearances this season, with a composed demeanor. Speaking in Spanish, Pages asserted, "In my mind, I never thought he was gonna strike me out or dominate me. I was 100% certain I was gonna move the ball forward." His nine-pitch battle culminated with Will Klein closing the game for his first career save, marking Miller's first loss since May 17, 2025.

Miller acknowledged the challenge presented by Pages: "A lot of good pitches and a lot of foul balls. Good approach from him, staying on the slider enough to foul it off, and getting to the heater above the zone, too. Hats off, outstanding job by him."

The Dodgers seized on an opportunity against Miller, who struggled the previous night. After walking back-to-back batters, Miller found his rhythm, but Pages' approach on Tuesday allowed him to turn the tables. An overturned third strike call helped the Dodgers gain momentum, and Pages, having seen Miller previously, felt prepared for the battle ahead.

Pages summarized his experience succinctly: "To me, he’s simply a pitcher who throws hard. If you’re able to get on time against him, you can do damage against him." This victorious moment resonated with the Dodgers, who are aware of the long journey ahead in the National League West but remain energized by the intensity of their rivalry with the Padres. Manager Dave Roberts noted the significance of Pages’ focused and determined approach: "You get all your guys to feel that that at-bat is the important thing in your life at that moment, that’s what happens."