The Padres vs Dodgers Match Player Stats rivalry is one of the most exciting and talked-about matchups in Major League Baseball. While the Dodgers have historically dominated the division with multiple NL West titles, the Padres have built a talented roster in recent years, making these games more competitive. Both teams are from the National League West and play each other multiple times throughout the season, which intensifies the stakes and builds tension with every encounter.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Dodgers 7 – Padres 2 |
| Game Date & Venue | September 26, 2024 – Dodger Stadium |
| Dodgers Key Player | Will Smith (HR, 2 RBI) |
| Padres Key Player | Manny Machado (2-for-3) |
| Winning Pitcher | Anthony Banda (Dodgers) |
| Losing Pitcher | Tanner Scott (Padres) |
In 2024, the Dodgers once again proved their strength by clinching the NL West title with a 7–2 win over the Padres on September 26. This game showed the sharp contrast in form between both teams while also highlighting star player performances. The Padres are still evolving as a unit, and their games with the Dodgers offer glimpses of a future rivalry that could go neck-and-neck. Fans from both Southern California teams eagerly await each clash, knowing anything can happen when these two meet.
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Key Players to Watch in Recent Padres vs Dodgers Games
Both teams featured power-packed rosters with top-tier MLB talent, and their recent faceoff gave fans a good look at the stars in action. For the Padres, Fernando Tatis Jr. stood out with his hustle and energy on the field, while Manny Machado showcased consistent performance with the bat. Machado went 2-for-3 in the latest matchup, showing he’s still a major threat in the lineup. Luis Arraez, known for his precise hitting and plate discipline, also played a key role, although he went hitless in that particular game.
On the Dodgers’ side, Will Smith stole the show with a powerful home run and two RBIs that helped tip the momentum. Shohei Ohtani, the newest big name in Los Angeles, contributed both with the bat and on the bases, grabbing an RBI and a stolen base. Mookie Betts, always a fan favorite, added two RBIs and continued his streak of delivering in high-pressure moments. With such star power, every at-bat had the potential to shift the game’s course.
Game-by-Game Player Performance Breakdown
This particular Padres vs Dodgers Match Player Stats series held five intense games, and each had its own set of heroes and highlights. In Game 1, the Dodgers dominated early, thanks to a solid outing by their bullpen and a strong 3-hit performance by Freeman. The Padres tried to rally but couldn’t get past the Dodgers’ pitching wall. Game 2 was tighter, with both teams struggling to get hits until late innings, where Tatis Jr. hit a clutch double.
Game 3 saw the Dodgers hitting spree continue, led by Will Smith’s home run. The Padres looked flat offensively, failing to take advantage of scoring opportunities. In Game 4, things became heated when both teams exchanged home runs, but Dodgers came out on top with late-inning RBI doubles. Game 5, the final one, was the clincher for the Dodgers, ending 7–2 and locking down their playoff spot. The Padres’ offense never truly clicked, despite efforts from Machado and Profar.
Pitching Matchups and Statistical Analysis
Pitching played a major role in deciding the winner of this Padres vs Dodgers series. Dodgers’ starter Anthony Banda stood out by earning the win in the final game, holding the Padres to limited offensive output. He was supported well by the bullpen, who closed the game without giving up additional runs. Across the series, Dodgers’ pitching staff allowed fewer walks and kept a tight control over fastballs in the strike zone.
On the Padres side, Tanner Scott took the loss in the final game. His early mistakes proved costly as the Dodgers capitalized with a five-run inning. The Padres bullpen was decent in earlier games but couldn’t hold the momentum when needed most. Statistically, the Dodgers had a combined ERA of 2.76, while the Padres sat at 4.89, showing a clear gap in pitching execution. Control, composure, and clutch relief innings defined the Dodgers’ dominance.
Batting Stats Comparison: Padres vs Dodgers
The Dodgers clearly had the upper hand in offensive stats over the series. As a team, they hit .315 overall, compared to the Padres’ .242. Will Smith led the charge with a homer and multiple RBIs, while Betts and Ohtani were consistent contributors. The Dodgers also had more extra-base hits and were efficient with runners in scoring position, hitting over .380 in those situations.
For the Padres, the struggles were evident. Machado and Tatis Jr. were the only batters to consistently make contact, and even then, the run production was lacking. They left several runners stranded, with a team RISP (Runners in Scoring Position) batting average of just .182. Home runs were few, and despite aggressive swings, their on-base percentage hovered around .290. Dodgers’ lineup depth simply proved too much.
Defensive Metrics and Fielding Stats
When it came to defense, both teams made some impressive plays, but the Dodgers had a cleaner showing overall. They committed only one error in the five-game series, while the Padres racked up four fielding mistakes, costing them crucial runs. Dodgers’ fielding percentage stood at .990, a testament to their disciplined infield and outfield synergy.
Players like Betts and Freeman showcased excellent glove work, with quick double plays and strong throws from the outfield. The Padres, on the other hand, looked shaky in moments. A missed double-play chance in Game 4 and a botched throw to third in Game 5 led directly to run-scoring opportunities for the Dodgers. These defensive lapses added pressure on the Padres’ pitching staff and shifted the game flow in favor of Los Angeles.
Advanced Metrics: WAR, OPS+, and More
Looking at advanced stats paints a clearer picture of player performance. Will Smith posted a WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 1.4 just in the past two weeks, showing how valuable his contributions were to the Dodgers’ win streak. Mookie Betts had an OPS+ of 145, meaning he performed 45% better than the league average offensively during the series.
For the Padres, Manny Machado’s WAR sat around 0.8, still solid but not enough to turn the tide. Fernando Tatis Jr. showed flashes with an OPS of .792, but consistency was lacking. The Dodgers’ overall team OPS was .845, while the Padres lagged at .707. Metrics like these show how the Dodgers’ lineup delivered not just hits but quality at-bats that translated into game-winning moments.
Impact of Player Stats on Game Outcomes
Player stats weren’t just numbers — they directly shaped the series outcomes. Every home run, RBI, and strikeout told part of the story. When Will Smith homered in Game 3, the Dodgers pulled ahead and never looked back. In contrast, when the Padres’ top batters failed to convert with runners on base, the momentum shifted away from them every time.
The Dodgers’ clutch performances and steady run production helped them capitalize on small windows. Their timely RBIs and low error count allowed them to maintain control. The Padres showed potential but lacked the finishing power. The final score in the deciding game (7–2) is a direct reflection of how these individual stats turned into team dominance.
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Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Fans from both cities lit up social media with reactions to this heated series. Dodgers fans celebrated the division clinch, sharing clips of Ohtani’s base running and Smith’s towering homer. The hashtag #DodgersWin trended on X (formerly Twitter) for over 24 hours after the last game. Fans flooded Reddit and YouTube with highlight reels and commentary breakdowns.
On the Padres’ side, fans voiced frustration but also hope. Many highlighted Tatis Jr.’s athleticism and expressed optimism for next season. Instagram stories and TikTok edits captured both the emotional highs and lows from the five-game stretch. The rivalry continues to fuel passion on and off the field — the digital engagement alone shows just how much this matchup matters.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways from Padres vs Dodgers Player Stats
This Padres vs Dodgers matchup provided a clear view of both teams’ strengths and weaknesses. The Dodgers’ consistency, power hitting, and sharp defense proved to be the deciding factors. With key players like Will Smith and Mookie Betts stepping up, and a deep bullpen holding strong, they outperformed the Padres in almost every stat.
For the Padres, while stars like Machado and Tatis Jr. gave solid efforts, the team couldn’t match the Dodgers’ overall execution. Their pitching faltered in high-leverage moments, and defensive errors compounded their struggles. Going forward, both teams will surely meet again, but the stats from this series will remain a lesson in how every detail matters when two rivals clash on the big stage.
FAQs
1. Who was the best player in Padres vs Dodgers game?
Will Smith stood out with a home run and 2 RBIs, playing a major role in the Dodgers’ win.
2. What was the final score of Padres vs Dodgers match?
The Dodgers won 7–2 on September 26, 2024.
3. How did Shohei Ohtani perform?
Ohtani went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base, contributing to the offense.
4. Which pitcher won the game?
Anthony Banda earned the win for the Dodgers with a solid outing.
5. What was Manny Machado’s performance?
Machado went 2-for-3 and was the most consistent Padres hitter.
