Dodgers beat Padres 8-6 on July 17, 2025, in a fiery rivalry game. Will Smith's clutch homer and Andy Pages' career night sealed the chaotic comeback win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was one of those nights at Chavez Ravine. Tempers flared, bats were flipped, and the Dodgers and Padres delivered a classic, chaotic chapter in their rivalry. When the dust settled on an 8-6 victory for Los Angeles, it was clear this was more than just another mid-July win. It was a statement, fueled by Andy Pages' career night and a marathon at-bat from Will Smith that broke the game wide open.
Andy Pages went a perfect 4-for-4 with two home runs and three RBIs, delivering a stunning performance that kept the Dodgers in the fight.
The tension was palpable from the early innings. Pitches sailed inside, hitting both Fernando Tatis Jr. and Shohei Ohtani, which ultimately led to a fiery Dave Roberts getting tossed from the game. But the real fireworks happened in the sixth inning. Trailing, the Dodgers sent nine men to the plate in a five-run explosion. The crescendo was a heroic 12-pitch battle by Will Smith against Padres reliever Jeremiah Estrada, which ended with Smith launching a go-ahead two-run homer into the left-field pavilion. It was a signature moment for the captain, even as Shohei Ohtani struggled, recording a rare 'platinum sombrero' with four strikeouts.
While Smith played the hero, Andy Pages was the engine. The rookie outfielder was simply unstoppable, putting together the best game of his young career. Going 4-for-4 with two powerful home runs and three RBIs, Pages seemed to be in a different zone. His performance was a massive boost for an offense that needed a spark and showcased the incredible young talent the Dodgers continue to develop.
The victory came against a backdrop of significant roster moves. The team officially bid farewell to infielder Gavin Lux, who was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for outfield prospect Mike Sirota and a competitive balance draft pick. The move signals a new direction for the infield and adds another high-ceiling player to the farm system. On the active roster, James Outman was recalled from Triple-A to provide another outfield bat. These moves are crucial as the team navigates a battered bullpen. With closer Evan Phillips confirmed out for the season after Tommy John surgery, and Brusdar Graterol and Kyle Hurt still on the long road to recovery, every win the bullpen can lock down—like Tanner Scott did for his 14th save—feels monumental.
This win was a pressure release valve, a reminder of the team's resilience and firepower. But the road ahead is challenging. With a patched-up bullpen and a newly configured roster, the Dodgers must continue to find ways to win these tight divisional games. As the trade deadline approaches, the front office's work is far from over, but for one night, the boys in blue proved they have more than enough fight to handle the heat.
