Dodgers’ duo bounces back to lead attack

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, June 28, 2026

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 15-3 at Petco Park, fueled by home runs from slumping hitters Kyle Tucker and Dalton Rushing during a pivotal nine-run sixth inning. This victory highlighted the Dodgers’ resilience and depth, as they capitalized on Padres’ defensive errors and strong pitching from Yoshinobu Yamamoto to break offensive droughts and gain momentum.

The Los Angeles Dodgers overcame recent offensive struggles from Kyle Tucker and Dalton Rushing to secure a dominant 15-3 victory over the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Saturday. Both hitters broke out of prolonged slumps with home runs during a nine-run sixth inning that proved decisive in the contest.

Tucker entered the game with a .700 OPS and had gone hitless in his previous four games, while Rushing was enduring a difficult seven-week stretch without a hit, including a five-game hitting drought. Their back-to-back home runs in the sixth inning helped ignite the Dodgers’ rally, which featured capitalizing on multiple Padres defensive errors. Four of the nine runs scored in the inning were unearned.

The Dodgers took an early lead in the second inning when Max Muncy hit a deep line drive into right field. Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. made a diving attempt but failed to catch the ball, which rolled past him and allowed Muncy to reach third base. Tommy Edman then delivered a double to center field that brought Muncy home for the first run.

San Diego responded in the bottom of the second with a solo home run by Gavin Sheets off Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Despite the home run, Yamamoto limited the Padres to two runs over six innings.

The Padres’ defensive miscues continued to hurt them in the third inning. With Freddie Freeman on second base after a leadoff double, Muncy hit a ground ball to second baseman Will Wagner, who mishandled it, allowing Freeman to score on a close play at the plate. Edman then tripled to bring Muncy home.

That set the stage for Tucker, who went 3 for 5 with four RBIs on the day, to launch a nine-pitch home run against Padres right-hander Randy Vásquez. Rushing followed with a two-strike home run, further extending the rally.

The Dodgers added two walks and three additional hits, including a three-run homer by Mookie Betts off reliever Ron Marinaccio. Betts has now homered in three straight games.

Yamamoto’s strong pitching and the Dodgers’ ability to exploit Padres errors played key roles in the lopsided outcome, as Los Angeles continued to show depth in their lineup amid individual struggles turning around at important moments.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.