Mookie Betts’ Clutch Homer Seals Dodgers’ 5-4 Victory Over Padres, Extends NL West Lead

Los Angeles, August 18, 2025 — In a game that had all the drama of a postseason showdown, Mookie Betts delivered the decisive blow with a late-inning home run, pushing the Los Angeles Dodgers past the San Diego Padres 5-4 on Sunday night at Dodger Stadium. The win gives Los Angeles a two-game cushion in the tightly contested National League West race.

Betts Rises in the Spotlight

The game was deadlocked at 4-4 in the bottom of the eighth inning when Betts stepped into the batter’s box. Facing Padres reliever Robert Suarez, Betts worked the count full before unleashing a towering drive to left field that sent the home crowd into a frenzy.

“It’s about staying calm in those moments,” Betts told reporters afterward. “I wanted to be aggressive but not over-swing. Luckily, I got a pitch I could handle.”

The homer marked Betts’ 24th of the season and added to what has been a resurgent stretch for the former MVP, who has found his rhythm after a mid-season slump.

Padres Battle Back, But Fall Short

The Padres were no pushovers in the matchup. Manny Machado’s two-run double in the fifth inning tied the game and set up a tense finish. Earlier, Fernando Tatís Jr. had provided an offensive spark with a solo homer to right-center, his 29th of the year.

Despite strong efforts, the Padres’ bullpen faltered late. Suarez, who had been one of the most reliable relievers in the league this season, left a fastball over the plate — a mistake Betts made sure to punish.

Dodgers’ Pitching Holds Ground

On the mound, Dodgers starter Bobby Miller gave up three runs across six innings but managed to keep his team in the game. Reliever Evan Phillips picked up the win after tossing a clean eighth inning, while Brusdar Graterol closed the door in the ninth, earning his 22nd save.

Manager Dave Roberts praised his team’s resilience. “This is what you want to see in August baseball,” Roberts said. “We’re finding ways to win close games, and that’s a good sign heading into September.”

Standings Impact

With the win, the Dodgers improve to 72-50, while the Padres drop to 70-52. The two-game swing could loom large as the season enters its final stretch. Both teams still have seven more head-to-head meetings, making the NL West race one of the most captivating in baseball.

According to MLB.com, the Dodgers now hold the second-best record in the National League, trailing only the Atlanta Braves.

The Road Ahead

The Dodgers will host the San Francisco Giants next, while the Padres travel home to face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a series that could further shape the Wild Card picture.

Baseball analysts note that this latest clash between the Dodgers and Padres highlights not only their rivalry but also the razor-thin margins that will decide playoff positioning. As ESPN’s baseball coverage points out, even a single swing like Betts’ can tilt an entire division race.