Sat Oct 12 00:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Dodgers Outlast Padres in NLDS Opener, Ohtani Delivers Postseason Magic
**LOS ANGELES, CA** – In a thrilling opening game of the NLDS, the Los Angeles Dodgers edged out the San Diego Padres 7-5, thanks in part to a memorable performance from Shohei Ohtani in his postseason debut.
Ohtani, the Japanese superstar, launched a three-run homer in the second inning, tying the game after the Padres had jumped out to an early 3-0 lead. The blast, which traveled 372 feet to right field, ignited the crowd and gave the Dodgers a crucial boost.
“I just really have never seen a guy in the biggest of moments come through as consistently as he has,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Ohtani. “He’s just very unique in that.”
The Padres, who led 5-3 before the Dodgers rallied, had chances late in the game. They had the potential tying runs on base in both the eighth and ninth innings but couldn’t capitalize. Fernando Tatis Jr. singled in the ninth before Jurickson Profar walked, setting the stage for Manny Machado, who ultimately struck out swinging against Blake Treinen, who earned the save.
The Dodgers, who had trailed by three or more runs through the first inning, earned their first postseason victory since October 2022. The win also marks their first playoff victory in two years when trailing by that margin.
The series shifts to San Diego for Game 2 on Sunday, with the Padres countering with Yu Darvish against the Dodgers’ Jack Flaherty, who is making his first playoff start.
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