In a series that felt like it could shape the top of the NL West, the San Diego Padres saw their hopes of gaining ground dashed on Wednesday night as the Los Angeles Dodgers took the rubber match, 5-2, at Petco Park. For San Diego, which entered just one game out of first place, the loss pushed them into third in the division standings and added more weight to an already pressure-filled stretch of games ahead.
Dodgers Rally, Rivalry Lights Fire in Pitcher
It was as intense as you might anticipate from a Dodgers vs. Padres game. The game-changing moment occurred when Padres reliever Jeremiah Estrada, who had been lights-out this season, faltered for the first time in almost a month.
The score was tied 1-1 going into the sixth inning, and after not allowing a home run for four weeks, Estrada left a pitch over the plate for Teoscar Hernández, who punished it with a three-run bomb, giving the Dodgers a 4-1 lead they would not let go of.
It wasn’t just the homer that stung. The inning was set up by a pair of costly mistakes: a walk issued by Estrada, and a misplayed grounder by Adrian Morejon that turned into a free base. Giving away outs and walks in high-leverage innings for a team chasing division rivals is a recipe for trouble.
After the game, Estrada didn’t shy away from owning his outing, while also showing his fire. “I don’t take s*** lightly,” he said in the clubhouse. “Of course, today wasn’t my best day. I didn’t feel the very best, but it’s ok, not everybody has their days. I’ll see them next week… I ain’t afraid of anybody. I’m going to throw my best s*** that I have and throw what I can.”
Jeremiah Estrada on rough outing vs. Dodgers
“I don’t take shit lightly. Today wasn’t my best day…I didn’t feel the very best but it’s ok, not everybody has their days. I’ll see them next week…I’m ain’t afraid of anybody. I’m going to throw my best shit.”@SportingTrib pic.twitter.com/65RycDZjC9
— Marty Caswell (@MartyCaswell) June 12, 2025
It was a rare slip for Estrada, whose breakout season has been one of the highlights for the Padres’ bullpen. Entering the night, he had a 1.50 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 30.1 innings pitched and had become a go-to arm in tight spots. His confidence after the loss reflects a mentality that the Padres will need as they gear up for a tough stretch on the road.
With the loss, San Diego fell to 38-29, and the Dodgers won the series. The rankings could change again quickly because the San Francisco Giants, who are now in second place in the NL West, will be playing the Dodgers this weekend. It won’t be long until the Padres get another chance at atonement. In what may be a pivotal series, they will travel to Los Angeles next week.