Overview

• Ohtani launched his 45th homer in the ninth inning off lefty Yuki Matsui to finish an 8-2 win at Petco Park after entering the game 0-for-10 in the series.
• On his way to the dugout, Ohtani initiated a high-five with a Padres fan who had heckled him throughout the game, a gesture Dave Roberts called out of character but fun.
• Freddie Freeman hit two home runs and rookie Dalton Rushing delivered a tiebreaking three-run shot in the seventh as L.A. broke open the finale.
• The victory tied the Dodgers and Padres at 74-57 with 31 games remaining, and Los Angeles holds the head-to-head tiebreaker after taking the season series 9-4.
• Ohtani’s blast reclaimed a share of the NL home run lead, and separate reporting noted pitching coach Mark Prior said he could envision a postseason bullpen role for Ohtani.