Preston F.
A sign at Dodgers Stadium greets fans and foes alike.
The Los Angeles Dodgers showed grit and determination last weekend, sweeping the San Diego Padres in a three-game series at Dodger Stadium from Aug. 15-17. Outscoring their Southern California rivals 14-6, the Dodgers extended their lead in the National League West standings to two games.
The series opened August 15 with a nail biter, as the Dodgers pulled off a 3-2 win, followed by a commanding 6-0 shutout on August 16. The finale on the 17th provided the most drama, with superstar Mookie Betts blasting a go-ahead home run in the eighth inning to secure a 5-4 victory. Earlier in the game, Freddie Freeman and Andy Pages also went deep, keeping the Dodgers’ offense alive when it mattered most.
The sweep was especially impressive given the Dodgers’ long list of injured players. Just days before the series, first baseman Max Muncy was placed on the injured list with an oblique strain, which the team expects will keep him on the bench for the next few weeks. The Dodgers are also missing second baseman Tommy Edman (ankle), Enrique Hernandez (elbow), Hyeseong Kim (shoulder), and relief pitchers Kirby Yates (back) and Tanner Scott (elbow).
“Some of their star players are getting hurt, causing their whole team to lose chemistry,” said Jacob Fotia, a baseball fan. “I think their record is gonna really affect them, giving them a worse shot at winning the World Series.”
Even with so many stars sidelined, the Dodgers’ depth has kept them competitive. According to mlb.com, several injured players are beginning rehab and could return by late August.
For fans like Kyrie Moffette, those memories are still fresh. “Ohtani got hurt and that, like, affected the whole game [in the 2024 World Series],” Moffette said, recalling the pressure injuries placed on the team.
For Dodgers fans, the injuries are frustrating and a little too familiar. In 2024, the team made a World Series run despite losing Shohei Ohtani to injury.
“Ohtani got hurt, and that affected the whole game [in the 2024 World Series],” Moffette said, recalling the pressure injuries placed on the team, said seventh grader Kyrie M., the memory still fresh and painful.
But others see the Dodgers’ resilience as their defining trait. Seventh-grade teacher Mrs. Mares believes the rivalry itself pushes the team to play harder. “I think it’s a good healthy rivalry because we’re both from California [and] it’s really good for the city,” she said. “I think the fans are going to go insane. I’m hoping the energy from the Dodgers fans is going to make sure they do extremely well [against the Padres].”
The recent Dodgers’ sweep not only strengthens their position in the standings but also proves their ability to overcome adversity. Whether the team can maintain momentum and defend their World Series title remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the rivalry is fueling their fight.