Teoscar Hernández's Homer Powers Dodgers Past Padres Amidst Fan Frenzy
Colaboradores
Teoscar Hernández delivered a clutch performance, smashing a three-run homer in the sixth inning to break a tie and propel the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-2 victory over the San Diego Padres. The Dodgers took two of three games in this early-season series against their NL West rivals.
Michael Conforto also contributed with a solo home run as the Dodgers bounced back from a crushing 11-1 defeat the previous night. The pitching-strapped Dodgers even resorted to using utility player Kiké Hernández in the previous game, highlighting the team's resilience.
Rookie right-hander Ben Casparius made his second start of the season, navigating through four innings with a notable escape in the second. After allowing five consecutive Padres to reach base, the Dodgers managed to limit the damage to just one run, thanks to a remarkable 99 mph throw from center fielder Andy Pages to catcher Will Smith, preventing Gavin Sheets from scoring.
The game was as much about the fans as it was about the baseball. An estimated 20,000 to 25,000 Dodgers fans transformed Petco Park into a mini-Dodger Stadium, creating a raucous atmosphere. Hernández's 420-foot homer ignited the Dodgers faithful, whose cheers often drowned out the Padres supporters.
The rivalry extended beyond the field, with Dodgers fans chanting “Fred-die, Fred-die!” whenever Freddie Freeman stepped up to the plate. Padres fans responded with their own cheers, assisted by the team's entertainment staff, who prompted chants and played organ music.
Despite the Padres' efforts, the day belonged to the Dodgers. Alex Vesia, wearing the No. 51 popularized by Padres Hall of Fame reliever Trevor Hoffman, closed out the game with three strikeouts, earning his first save in San Diego. Vesia's passionate celebration was nearly swallowed by the roaring Dodgers fans.
Hernández Continues Hot Streak
Adding to his impressive performance, Teoscar Hernández also homered in Friday's 6-2 loss to the Giants, going 2-for-3 with a walk. He accounted for both of the Dodgers' hits against Giants ace Logan Webb. This was Hernandez's first multi-hit game since late May, and his consecutive home runs suggest he may be breaking out of a recent slump. Currently, he boasts a .266 batting average, .801 OPS, 12 home runs, 48 RBI, 34 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 55 games this season.