Despite missing players like Freddie Freeman and Miguel Rojas, the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres 8-0 on Wednesday. This win forces a decisive Game 5 at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers, facing elimination, played with great intensity. The Padres, with a game to win, seemed less focused.
Game 4 was a one-sided affair. The Dodgers, fighting for their season, started strong. Padres manager Mike Shildt chose to start ace Dylan Cease on short rest, which surprised many. Cease had a tough night, lasting just two innings and giving up three earned runs, including a home run to Mookie Betts.
Even with a big loss, Padres stars Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. are confident for Game 5. They trust Yu Darvish, who will pitch in the crucial game.
“We’ve got the right guy on the mound,” Machado said. “We have all the confidence in the world in him.”
Tatis also showed faith in Darvish: “I have full confidence. He’s proven himself over the last 18 years. I’m ready to go behind him.”
But Darvish’s history in big games is not encouraging. He has faced elimination four times and lost each time. His postseason ERA is 3.88 in 12 starts. The pressure will be huge in Game 5.
For the Padres, Darvish is their best choice, especially after Cease’s poor performance. The team is counting on Darvish to lead them to victory in the final game.
