--- title: "Freeman, Betts key big inning as Dodgers beat Padres 4-2 to take series" description: "Freeman’s bases-loaded walk and Betts’ two-run single in the fifth erased a Padres lead and sealed the series for the Dodgers." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/freeman-betts-key-big-inning-as-dodgers-beat-the-padres-4-2-412db20f published: 2026-06-29T16:31:27.445+00:00 updated: 2026-06-29T16:31:27.445+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["baseball"] --- # Freeman, Betts key big inning as Dodgers beat Padres 4-2 to take series > Freeman’s bases-loaded walk and Betts’ two-run single in the fifth erased a Padres lead and sealed the series for the Dodgers. The Dodgers’ lineup punished Michael King’s mistakes in the fifth inning, erasing a Padres lead to secure a 4-2 victory and the series. Freddie Freeman forced in the go-ahead run with a bases-loaded walk, then Mookie Betts drove in two more runs with a single, capping a clutch rally. Los Angeles took the series behind the duo’s decisive blows against San Diego’s starter. The Padres carried a 2-0 lead into the fifth, but King’s control evaporated. Freeman worked a full count, then drew a walk to load the bases. His patience forced King to groove a pitch over the plate, and Betts punished it with a two-run single that flipped the game. The Dodgers added an insurance run in the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Will Smith, making the final score 4-2. King (0-1) absorbed the loss after allowing three runs without recording an out in the fifth. The Padres’ bullpen allowed the big inning to spiral, with Robert Suárez and Drew Pomeranz combining to give up three runs on three consecutive hits. San Diego’s offense managed just two runs on six hits, leaving runners in scoring position stranded six times. The Padres’ inability to capitalize in key spots mirrored their struggles in prior series against Los Angeles, where they’ve often fallen short in late-game execution. The Dodgers’ win continues a stretch where they’ve relied less on power and more on small-ball tactics to manufacture runs. Freeman’s walk and Betts’ single exemplify a shift toward situational hitting, a trend that’s helped the team stay competitive despite injuries to key sluggers. The Padres, meanwhile, have been plagued by inconsistency in high-leverage moments, a pattern that could cost them down the stretch as the playoff race tightens. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised the lineup’s resilience. “That’s what this team does,” Roberts said. “We don’t beat ourselves, and when the game gets tight, we find a way to manufacture runs.” The Padres’ skipper, Mike Shildt, acknowledged the Dodgers’ clutch execution. “They made us pay for every mistake,” Shildt said. “That’s the difference in this series.” The Dodgers’ approach contrasts with San Diego’s reliance on power, a dynamic that could define the NL West race. Los Angeles has leaned into walks, sacrifice flies, and timely contact to generate offense, while the Padres have often struggled to adapt when their big bats go quiet. The Padres’ stranded runners in this game—six in scoring position—highlight a broader issue: their inability to convert opportunities when it matters most. With the playoff race tightening, San Diego’s margin for error is shrinking, and their struggles in late-game situations could prove costly as they chase a postseason berth. What’s next: The Dodgers (68-42) head to Colorado for a three-game set against the Rockies starting Friday. The Padres (65-45) remain in town to face the Giants in a pivotal series as both teams jockey for playoff positioning in the NL West. ## Why this matters The Dodgers’ series win over the Padres underscores their ability to grind out wins without relying on home runs. Freeman and Betts—two of the team’s biggest stars—delivered when it mattered most, proving Los Angeles can still dominate even when the long ball isn’t in play. For the Padres, the loss highlights their struggles in high-leverage situations, a concern as they push for postseason positioning. The Dodgers’ small-ball approach contrasts with San Diego’s reliance on power, a dynamic that could define the NL West race as both teams vie for playoff spots. Their win also tightens the Dodgers’ grip on the NL West, while the Padres’ inconsistency risks derailing their playoff push. ## Frequently asked ### How did the Dodgers score three runs in the fifth inning? Freddie Freeman drew a bases-loaded walk to force in the go-ahead run, then Mookie Betts followed with a two-run single. Will Smith added an insurance run on a sacrifice fly in the sixth. ### What was Michael King’s line in the loss? King allowed three runs without recording an out in the fifth inning. He finished with 0.0 IP, 3 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, and 0 Ks. ### How did the Padres’ offense perform in the game? San Diego managed just two runs on six hits, leaving six runners in scoring position stranded. They stranded runners in every inning except the fifth. ### What’s next for the Dodgers and Padres? The Dodgers travel to Colorado for a three-game series against the Rockies starting Friday. The Padres host the Giants in a critical series as both teams chase playoff spots in the NL West. ### Who were the key performers for the Dodgers? Freeman and Betts combined for three RBIs in the fifth inning. Freeman drew the walk, Betts drove in two with a single, and Will Smith added an insurance run on a sacrifice fly. ### How does this win impact the Dodgers’ playoff chances? The victory keeps the Dodgers in the hunt for the NL West title, maintaining their lead in the division race. Their small-ball approach has been a key factor in staying competitive despite injuries to power hitters. ## Sources & Citations - [Freeman, Betts key big inning as Dodgers beat the Padres 4-2 to take 2 of 3 in the series](http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=401815950) — ESPN (2026-06-28) --- Cite: Freeman, Betts key big inning as Dodgers beat Padres 4-2 to take series. Sportopod, 2026-06-29. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/freeman-betts-key-big-inning-as-dodgers-beat-the-padres-4-2-412db20f