Mookie Betts hits a tiebreaking solo homer in the eighth inning, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres 5-4 on Sunday.

Hit hard early

The Padres entered their weekend series at Dodger Stadium in unfamiliar territory at this juncture of a season -- in first place. They had overturned a nine-game deficit and rode a five-game winning streak into Los Angeles.

A knee ailment that scratched 2024 ace Michael King on Friday created a pro-Dodgers matchup – Clayton Kershaw opposite starter Wandy Peralta bulk pitcher Randy Vasquez – that L.A. parlayed into a 3-2 victory.

Yu Darvish continues to draw attention in San Diego, with his coach making abold statement about the veteran pitcher’s unique skills.The post Padres Pitching Coach Shares Surprising Praise for Yu Darvish appearedfirst on Heavy Sports.

Yu Darvish has been one of the most dominating pitchers in MLB that came from Japan. The five-time MLB All-Star has stood the test of time since his U.S.

When he beat Mets righty slugger Pete Alonso to the spot with a 93.5-mph sinker, yielding a soft lineout to first base, Darvish showed more bounce to his step. Winning with the inside fastball sets up other successes. This one had extra tail, likely due to the lower arm slot.

Jake Croneworth hit a go-ahead RBI single in the seventh and Freddy Fermin followed with a two-run homer off Logan Webb as the San Diego Padres backed Yu Darvish in a 4-1 win over the San Francisco Giants.