Friday, August 22, 2025

Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2025

The object of the game is to outscore your opponent.

Before the ninth, the Los Angeles Dodgers had only one hit, Alex Freeland’s first major league home run. While Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman singled in the ninth, Teoscar Hernández struck out to end the game. The Los Angeles Dodgers lost to the San Diego Padres 2-to-1. The Dodgers and the Padres tied atop of the National League Western Division.

Blake Snell pitched well for seven innings though he was charged with a loss. In the fourth, he allowed two runs. He relied on his off-speed pitches since he didn’t have his usual fastball command. Mookie Betts’ defense at shortstop was superb, preventing the Padres from having many scoring opportunities.

On Monday, the Los Angeles Times falsely reported Mookie Betts had a conversation with Dave Roberts and Andrew Friedman about moving back to right field. While the defense in right field has been a problem, Betts is far more important to the Dodgers as a shortstop than a right fielder. In the past few years, Betts has demonstrated that he has lost a step in right field. This year, he has shown the ability to /be an above-average defensive shortstop, which is hard to replace. His shortstop play isn’t the reason why Betts has struggled offensively, and since the beginning of August, Betts has contributed to the offense.

Edgardo Henriquez was brilliant in relief.