Wed Oct 09 04:22:47 UTC 2024: ## Dodgers Edge Padres in Thrilling NLDS Opener, Ohtani Shines in Postseason Debut
**LOS ANGELES** – Shohei Ohtani delivered a historic performance in his postseason debut, hitting a three-run homer and leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a thrilling 7-5 victory over the San Diego Padres in Game 1 of the NL Division Series Saturday.
The Japanese superstar, making his first playoff appearance after six years with the Angels, tied the game at 3-0 with his two-out blast in the second inning. Ohtani finished the game 2-for-5 with three RBI, two runs scored, and two strikeouts.
The Padres, who were looking to avenge their 2020 NLDS loss to the Dodgers, jumped out to an early 3-0 lead on a two-run home run by Manny Machado off Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the first inning.
However, the Dodgers rallied in the fourth inning, scoring three runs to take their first lead in a postseason game since 2022. Teoscar Hernandez’s two-run single proved to be the decisive blow, giving the Dodgers a 6-5 advantage.
The Padres threatened to tie the game in the ninth, but Fernando Tatis Jr. was left stranded on first after Machado struck out swinging against Blake Treinen, who earned the save.
The Dodgers’ bullpen was instrumental in the victory, pitching six scoreless innings after Yamamoto’s early exit. Ryan Brasier earned the win, while Treinen secured the victory.
The Padres’ big three – Luis Arraez, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Manny Machado – struggled at the plate, combining for just four hits in 14 at-bats.
The series shifts to San Diego for Game 2 on Sunday. Yu Darvish, who pitched for the Dodgers before joining the Padres, will start for San Diego, while Jack Flaherty will take the mound for the Dodgers.
First Piper 