The Los Angeles Dodgers’ $182 million phenom knows San Diego inside out and they know him just as much. After all, his three years there included his second Cy Young campaign before he moved on to another California rival. When the 32-year-old left-handed pitcher donned the Dodger blue against the Padres for the first time, it was a 6-0 triumphant homecoming.
“They know me so well. So they understand what the game’s going to be.” Blake Snell admitted. He allowed four hits to the first five batters he faced. Over the first two innings, the Dodgers drew six walks against Padres pitcher Dylan Cease. They scored five runs on just one hit and later during the fifth inning, Teoscar Hernandez hit his 20th homer of the season. And then, soon after that, Snell retired 12 out of the 13 hitters he faced, finishing six strong innings.
The postgame media appearance revealed that Snell was far from satisfied. “It was okay. Yeah, it could be better. There’s a lot that I need to work on, honestly, which I’ll do when I face them next and I’m aware they’re going to listen to the interviews. I won’t say too much but there’s a lot that I need to fix and clean up.” He said.
Source: MLB.com
Snell limited his former teammates to five hits across six innings. And just like that, the Dodgers finally regained possession of first place in the National League West, moving a game ahead of the Padres. Despite shutting down his club’s sworn rivals, he placed scrutiny on his own game.
Largely because it wasn’t enough for Snell. “It can’t be this way forever.” Snell said. He pointed out that if he’s not efficient enough, not dominating the zone and the shapes of pitches aren’t coming the way he wants, then he needs to get better. But despite his self-criticism, he couldn’t have made his return from injury at a better time.
Snell’s Return to Dodgers’ Lineup Comes at Perfect Time
For Blake Snell, who’s had only five starts this season, it still feels like his first half. Yes, Saturday night was his first start against the Padres and third since coming back from the sidelines after being out with shoulder inflammation. He’s still learning swings, breaking down hitters and studying adjustments. It’s been both a physical and mental game for Snell. Over his last two starts, the Dodgers have been able to stack back-to-back wins.
He returned back from the injury on August 2 and since then he has allowed only three runs on 13 hits and five walks and struck out 21 batters in 16 innings. The Dodgers’ $182 million investment is finally paying off as Snell is starting to look more settled every time he enters the mound.
Just days ago, the Dodgers lost four consecutive games and slipped out of the first spot in the NL standings. Meanwhile, the Padres, fueled by a hot stretch, notched the top spot after winning 22 of their last 35 games.
They happen to be the first club since 2021 to knock the Dodgers out of first place this late into the season. Now, the Dodgers have notched two straight wins over the Padres. Now if they keep the same momentum on Sunday night, they can win the three-game series.
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