Will Smith's historic pinch-hit, walk-off HR gives the Dodgers a 4-3 win over the Padres on June 19, 2025. Read how Captain Clutch set a new franchise record.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it looked like the San Diego Padres had snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, Will Smith rewrote the script. With one swing of the bat in the bottom of the ninth, the man they call 'Captain Clutch' launched a pinch-hit, walk-off home run into the Dodger Stadium night, delivering a 4-3 victory and sending the Friars home stunned. It was a moment of pure Hollywood drama, a franchise record, and another reminder that this Dodgers team simply finds ways to win.
Will Smith now holds the Dodgers franchise record with three pinch-hit, walk-off home runs, trailing only Jason Giambi (six) for the most in MLB history.
The Dodgers carried a 3-1 lead into the final frame, seemingly cruising to another victory. But the rival Padres had other ideas. A furious rally, capped by RBI hits from Jake Cronenworth and Xander Bogaerts, tied the game and silenced the home crowd. The momentum had completely shifted. But then, with the game on the line, manager Dave Roberts called on his All-Star catcher. Smith stepped in against Padres closer Robert Suarez and delivered the 377-foot dagger, a no-doubter that sealed the win and cemented his legend.
This wasn't just any walk-off. Smith's blast was his third career pinch-hit, walk-off homer, pushing him past every other player in the long and storied history of the Dodgers franchise. It's a testament to his incredible poise and ability to deliver in the highest-leverage moments. 'I just tried to stay short and put a good swing on it. Thankfully, it got out,' Smith said with his typical understatement. While he may be understated, the numbers aren't: he's now second all-time in MLB history in this clutch category.
Long before the late-game heroics, Emmet Sheehan's return to the rotation set a positive tone. In his first start back, Sheehan looked sharp, tossing four solid innings while allowing just one run and striking out five. He gave the Dodgers exactly what they needed, handing the game over to a bullpen that, despite the ninth-inning hiccup, ultimately got the job done. Evan Phillips, who pitched a clean top of the ninth, was rewarded with the win thanks to Smith's homer, a fitting end for a strong collective pitching effort.
The victory, their fifth straight, pushes the Dodgers' record to a stellar 46-29 and further solidifies their hold on the NL West. The team is firing on all cylinders, and Dave Roberts isn't afraid to make adjustments to keep the machine running. Thursday saw a notable lineup shuffle, with Hyeseong Kim getting the start in center field while the struggling Michael Conforto took a seat. It's a sign that Roberts is willing to play the hot hand and optimize matchups, a key strategy as the team barrels toward the season's halfway point with a comfortable division lead.
With five consecutive wins and a 5-1 record against their division rivals this season, the Dodgers are sending a clear message to the rest of the league. This team has the pitching, the depth, and the unparalleled clutch hitting to overcome any obstacle. As the series with the Padres continues, look for the Dodgers to keep their foot on the gas, building momentum one dramatic win at a time.
