Mookie Betts saves the day for the Dodgers

Mookie Betts ignited the Los Angeles Dodgers once more, but Wednesday night marked a turning point as they built on that energy to secure an 8-0 victory over the San Diego Padres in Game 4 of the National League Division Series.

Betts later contributed with an RBI single after the Dodgers managed to drive Dylan Cease out of the game with two outs in the second inning. This outing was Cease’s first experience pitching on short rest.

Will Smith’s two-run homer in the fifth inning further extended the lead, helping the Dodgers avoid elimination and preventing a repeat of their 2022 NLDS exit.

The early advantage allowed the Dodgers to relieve some of the pressure from their bullpen, which manager Dave Roberts expertly rotated throughout the game.

Before the game, Roberts indicated they were planning a traditional bullpen strategy and would only consider using Landon Knack as a primary pitcher if they established a solid lead.

Ryan Brasier faced four batters and retired them all in his opening role, while Anthony Banda navigated around a two-out walk and a hit to close out the second inning.

Michael Kopech managed to leave Fernando Tatis Jr. stranded after a ground-rule double, and Alex Vesia breezed through the fourth, although he faced challenges in the fifth.

The Padres got two runners on base to start the inning, but Vesia secured two outs, leaving it to Evan Phillips to retire Tatis and maintain the Dodgers' 5-0 advantage. This left Tatis at 0-for-6 against Phillips in his career, including the postseason. Gavin Lux further solidified the lead in the seventh inning with a two-run homer.