Dodgers reclaim NL West with Kershaw-led win over Padres

The Los Angeles Dodgers clawed their way back into first place in the tightly contested NL West race with a gritty 3-2 victory over the San Diego Padres on Friday night at Dodger Stadium.

The win reaffirmed their status as contenders and highlighted a return to the basics—elite starting pitching, sharper defense, and timely hitting. Clayton Kershaw led the charge with a vintage performance.

The Dodgers snapped a painful late-summer skid that had eroded their division cushion since early July. It felt like a much-needed reset.

Kershaw Sets the Tone

Clayton Kershaw reminded everyone why he’s still the heart of the Dodgers’ rotation. The veteran left-hander worked six innings, allowing just one run and lowering his ERA to an impressive 3.01.

His command looked sharp, his curveball was biting, and he pitched with the poise of a man who knew what was at stake. You could sense he wanted this one badly.

Dodgers’ Defense Responds

After weeks of erratic defensive play, the Dodgers’ gloves came alive. Crisp infield execution kept the Padres from mounting big innings.

Every routine play was handled with the urgency of a late-season playoff chase. This kind of defensive stability had been missing and it made a real difference.

Timely Hitting Makes the Difference

The Dodgers didn’t post gaudy offensive numbers, but they made their chances count. In the bottom of the third, Shohei Ohtani hustled down the line, beating out a potential double-play ball to keep the inning alive.

Mookie Betts followed with a sacrifice fly, giving Los Angeles an early advantage. Sometimes, it’s the little things that keep you in the game.

Teoscar Hernández Extends the Lead

By the seventh inning, the Dodgers clung to a 2-1 lead. Teoscar Hernández stepped up and launched an opposite-field home run, giving the club some much-needed breathing room.

That solo shot proved pivotal. The Padres threatened again before the night was over, but couldn’t quite close the gap.

Bullpen Battles Through Late-Inning Tension

Los Angeles’ bullpen has struggled lately, but on this night, several relievers stepped up in high-pressure moments:

• Ben Casparius entered in the seventh and stranded a key runner to protect the slim margin.
• Alex Vesia survived a bases-loaded jam in the eighth, allowing only a sacrifice fly to keep the Dodgers ahead 3-2.
• Blake Treinen recorded a huge out against Manny Machado, shutting the door on another Padres rally.
• The ninth inning saw Alexis Díaz and Jack Dreyer combine to lock down the final three outs, sealing the much-needed victory.

Impact on the NL West Race

The NL West remains one of baseball’s most competitive divisions. Friday night’s victory could be a turning point.

By reclaiming a share of first place, the Dodgers reasserted control in a race where every game matters. This felt like more than just a win—it was a reminder that Los Angeles isn’t done yet.

Looking Ahead

The Dodgers really need to build on this performance. Consistency in pitching, defense, and situational hitting could make all the difference.

If Kershaw’s outing sparks something in the rest of the rotation, that would be huge. The bullpen has to keep steady when the pressure’s on—no easy feat, but it’s possible.

For now, this 3-2 win feels like a morale boost. It’s a reminder: get solid starting pitching, play sharp defense, and deliver when it matters most.

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Here is the source article for this story: Dodgers slay their recent demons by beating Padres to retake first in NL West