Padres rally for six runs to edge Dodgers in NLDS Game 3

On October 8, 2024, the San Diego Padres faced the Los Angeles Dodgers in a tense NL Division Series game at Petco Park, USA. The Padres took a commanding 2-1 lead in the series after a thrilling 6-5 victory. A pivotal moment came in the second inning when Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a two-run homer, contributing to a six-run inning that initially gave the Padres a 6-1 lead. However, the Dodgers fought back, with Teoscar Hernández hitting a grand slam in the third inning, narrowing the gap to just one run. Mookie Betts also made headlines by breaking a playoff slump with a home run, although he initially misjudged it, thinking it was caught. The game showcased the intensity of the rivalry, with a record crowd of 47,744 fans cheering on the Padres. Robert Suarez secured the win with a four-out save, striking out Gavin Lux to end the game. Michael King, the Padres' pitcher, earned his second playoff win despite allowing five runs. His performance followed a remarkable debut in the Wild Card Series, where he set a record for strikeouts without allowing runs. The Padres are now one win away from eliminating the Dodgers from the postseason for the second time in three years, with Game 4 scheduled for the following night. This victory not only boosts the Padres' confidence but also intensifies the rivalry with the Dodgers, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the series.