The stage is set for the third act of the ongoing saga between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers this weekend. The parking lot at Dodger Stadium will be filled with tailgaters, but no mingling or sharing of beverages will take place between these two rivals. Instead, the atmosphere is expected to be heated and not for the faint of heart.
The Padres seek revenge over their rival after going 2-5 in two June series. Since that point, both teams have gone in opposite directions. The Friars
have gone 30-18 since June 19, while the Dodgers have struggled with a 22-24 record since their last meeting. More importantly, the Padres cut the deficit in the standings and now lead the National League West by one game.
Each brings the best out of the other
Like all great sports rivalries, both teams force the other to elevate their game to the next level when competing against one another. At times, pitching staffs look clueless in attempting to shut down the opposition’s bats. Timely hitting is the norm, as no lead is safe.
In the previous seven games, only one outcome would be considered a blowout victory (Friars 11-1 win on June 10). The storylines have not changed much, as optimism is running high in each dugout. Usually, one team rises, while the other offers the flair for the dramatic by responding in their next at-bat. The players feed off the energy found inside the stadium each night.
Neither team gives an inch, and believe they can dig themselves out of any deficit on the scoreboard. The rivalry has made the Padres and Dodgers better teams. The quality of play inspires everyone to work harder on the mound, in the field, and the batter’s box.
On-field drama adds to the rivalry’s attraction
Drama is almost guaranteed when the Padres and Dodgers meet on the field. Both have talent-laden rosters that have an unflappable nature.
Trash-talking has been part of the rivalry, as neither team holds the other in high regard. You will never hear an apology for their actions on or off the field. It is part of playing in baseball’s best rivalry. The motto is hold your ground and never retreat.
Some of the more memorable confrontations between the Friars and Dodgers included Manny Machado. No one will forget Dodgers manager Dave Roberts accusing Machado of purposely throwing a ball at him inside the dugout between innings of the 2024 National League Division Series Game Two. Later, Roberts acknowledged that he lied about the incident to take some heat off his team following a defeat.
Another controversial incident took place between Dodgers reliever Brusdar Graterol and Machado in the 2020 NLDS. Both players exchanged words during an at-bat that led to Graterol blowing a kiss in Machado’s direction. The umpires eased the tension between the two teams and restored order for the game to resume.
Where does the rivalry stand in terms of baseball history? Well, the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox rivalry has withstood the test of time. But the Padres-Dodgers rivalry dominates the daily sports media coverage today.
Sustaining the rivalry is the next test for both teams. Scenarios can change quickly in baseball. Often, the turnover of rosters removes the luster of such a cherished matchup. Winning preserves these dates on the season calendar each year.
The Friars and Dodgers have built a great rivalry, probably the best in sports today. Let’s enjoy the games because they will be intense affairs.
