The Los Angeles Dodgers turned to Blake Snell within the second sport of a pivotal collection in opposition to the San Diego Padres. The 2-time Cy Younger winner adopted Clayton Kershaw’s classic efficiency within the collection opener with a dominant outing. And Snell obtained some assist from Will Smith early within the divisional grudge match.
The Dodgers’ All-Star catcher was dialed in on Saturday, throwing out three San Diego runners within the first two innings. Smith’s robust defensive effort saved Snell out of hassle after he gave up hits to 4 of the primary 5 Padres batters.
“Early on, simply sort of feeling out the place I used to be at, they’d some good hits. Will sort of held it down. By way of two innings he had three outs and I had three outs. We have been competing. However no, that sort of set the tone,” Snell mentioned, per Dodger Blue.
Many could make the argument that Will Smith is one of the best catcher in baseball.
He has thrown out 3 runners for the primary 4 outs of right this moment’s San Diego Padres ha Los Angeles Dodgers sport 👀 pic.twitter.com/mwOEhbqsjI
— js9innings (@js9inningsmedia) August 17, 2025
Extremely, Smith was chargeable for three of the primary 4 outs the Dodgers recorded. After dropping Recreation 1 of the collection 3-2 the Padres determined to be aggressive on the bottom paths. However Smith was prepared for San Diego.
Will Smith helps Dodgers dominate in divisional conflict
Fernando Tatis Jr. led off the sport with a single to proper area. He tried to steal on an 0-1 four-seamer however Smith gunned him down. Later within the first inning, with two on and two out, the Padres tried a double steal. Manny Machado took off for second on a 2-2 fastball and Smith nailed him with an ideal throw, ending the inning.
The Dodgers took a 3-0 lead within the backside of the inning and the Padres went proper again to working within the high of the second. After Xander Bogaerts reached on a leadoff single, he determined to check Smith’s arm. Whereas Bogaerts picked a changeup to run on, the consequence was the identical. Smith gunned him down.
After getting caught stealing in three consecutive makes an attempt, the Padres stopped working. And after a shaky begin to the sport, Snell settled in. The Tenth-year veteran allowed 5 hits and two walks in six scoreless innings.
Snell hasn’t given up a run in his final two begins, incomes back-to-back wins. Since he returned from the IL on August 2, the lefty ace has allowed three runs on 13 hits and 5 walks whereas racking up 21 strikeouts in 16 innings.
The Dodgers dropped within the standings earlier this week following a four-game skid. It was the primary time LA misplaced the division lead since April. Nonetheless, with two straight wins in opposition to the Padres, the Dodgers have reclaimed first place within the NL West.