Dalton Rushing’s First MLB Homer Lets Dodgers Tie Padres

The Los Angeles Dodgers dodged a costly sweep in San Diego, and they have rookie catcher Dalton Rushing to thank for it. Rushing came up huge, blasting a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning to spark an 8-2 win over the Padres at Petco Park.

Freddie Freeman added a pair of home runs and Shohei Ohtani chipped in with a late blast. Starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto looked steady, keeping things from unraveling early. With the win, the Dodgers pulled even with San Diego atop the NL West and grabbed the edge in the season series, which could matter come playoff time.

A Rookie’s Breakthrough Moment

For Dalton Rushing, this wasn’t just another game. It felt like the kind of moment every young player hopes for.

The Dodgers trailed late, the series was slipping away, and the 23-year-old catcher stepped in against Jeremiah Estrada. Rushing faced a full count and a nasty slider, but he turned on it and sent a towering three-run homer into the night, quieting the Padres crowd.

From Struggles to Stardom in One Swing

Before Sunday, Rushing was still finding his way at the plate. He’d been called up in May to mostly back up Will Smith and help the pitching staff.

His bat wasn’t seen as a sure thing. Through 38 games, he’d managed just a .517 OPS and two home runs. But this blast, in a big spot against a division rival, could be a real turning point for him—and maybe for the Dodgers, too.

Dodgers’ Offensive Power Surge

Rushing’s home run changed everything, but he wasn’t alone. Freddie Freeman showed why he’s one of the game’s best, hitting two home runs—including a two-run shot off Wandy Peralta in the eighth.

Then in the ninth, Shohei Ohtani added a solo homer, putting a final stamp on the kind of offensive performance the team needed after two quiet games.

Series Context and Standings Impact

This win kept the Dodgers from getting swept and brought them even with San Diego in the standings. Because they took the season series 9-4, they hold the tiebreaker if things stay close.

That head-to-head advantage could loom large as the NL West race heats up.

Yamamoto’s Resilient Start

Yoshinobu Yamamoto didn’t overpower the Padres, but he showed why the Dodgers wanted him. He gave up a two-run homer to Elias Díaz in the third, but then settled down.

Yamamoto worked through six solid innings and kept San Diego from doing more damage. That gave the Dodgers’ offense enough time to rally.

Manager Dave Roberts on Rushing’s Growth

After the game, manager Dave Roberts praised Rushing’s composure. He said moments like these can really speed up a young player’s growth.

Confidence in big spots matters, and for Rushing, this might be just the beginning.

Looking Ahead

The Dodgers’ win on Sunday wasn’t just about the standings. It sent a message.

This team’s roster runs deep, the pitching staff can hang tough, and now a rookie might be joining the list of October heroes. If Rushing’s bat catches fire alongside Freeman and Ohtani, Los Angeles could be set up for another wild playoff ride.

Key Takeaways

• Dalton Rushing’s clutch three-run homer could mark the turning point of his rookie season.
• Freeman hit two home runs, and Ohtani’s late blast brought the offense to life.
• Yamamoto steadied himself and delivered a composed start after a rocky third inning.
• The Dodgers hold the tie-breaker over the Padres with a 9-4 season series win.

The NL West race keeps getting more intense. Sunday’s win might stand out—not just for the standings, but as the day a rookie showed he belongs.

Maybe it’s also a sign the Dodgers’ offense isn’t done just yet.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Rushing authors 1st signature MLB moment to help knot up NL West once again