Will Smith's epic 12-pitch at-bat ends with a go-ahead homer, leading the Dodgers to an 8-6 comeback win over the Padres on June 18, 2025. A classic!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was one of those nights at Chavez Ravine. The kind where the air crackles, the rivalry feels real, and a single swing can redefine the game. Down 5-3 and locked in a tense battle with the rival Padres, the Dodgers needed a hero. They found one in Will Smith, who turned a marathon 12-pitch at-bat into a legendary moment, launching a go-ahead two-run homer that sent the stadium into a frenzy and secured a much-needed 8-6 victory.
'This group never quits. Will [Smith] had an incredible at-bat, and our bullpen stepped up big time. These are the kind of wins that build character.' - Manager Dave Roberts
Let's be clear: Will Smith's sixth-inning home run wasn't just a home run. It was a masterpiece of an at-bat. For 12 pitches, Smith battled, fouling off tough pitches and refusing to give in. On the final pitch, he unloaded, sending the ball soaring into the left-field seats for a tiebreaking two-run shot that gave the Dodgers a 7-5 lead they wouldn't relinquish. The blast was Smith's 10th of the season, cementing his status as the best offensive catcher in baseball. The moment went viral, with Mookie Betts tweeting what every fan was thinking: 'That's why he's the best catcher in the game!'
This win felt bigger because of the adversity the Dodgers are facing. The team's injured list reads like an All-Star roster, with pitchers Tony Gonsolin, Tyler Glasnow, Evan Phillips, Blake Snell, and Roki Sasaki all sidelined. With the pitching staff held together by duct tape and determination, the bullpen's ability to hold off a late Padres surge was nothing short of heroic. They combined for three scoreless innings to close the door, proving the 'next man up' mentality is alive and well in Los Angeles.
The front office continues to tinker, trying to find the right mix to weather this injury storm. Just before the series, infielder Miguel Vargas was optioned to Triple-A, with Michael Busch recalled to provide some left-handed pop and infield depth. While the big league club grinds out wins, help may be on the way from the farm. Outfield prospect Andy Pages is absolutely scorching the ball in Oklahoma City, going 4-for-5 last night to raise his average to .325 with 12 homers. With every highlight-reel swing, Pages makes a stronger case for a call-up to the show.
Last night's victory was more than just a notch in the win column; it was a statement. It was a testament to the team's resilience, a showcase for Will Smith's brilliance, and a reminder that even when battered and bruised, these Dodgers find a way to win. As they continue their series against the Padres, they'll need more of that same grit to hold their ground in the NL West. One thing is for sure: this team doesn't quit.
