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**Summary:**

Will Smith hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a 4-3 victory over the San Diego Padres, securing at least a series win. Smith’s homer broke a tie for the most pinch-hit walk-off home runs in Dodgers history. The game saw Emmet Sheehan return from Tommy John surgery with a solid outing, followed by Justin Wrobleski who pitched well until a shaky ninth. Rookie Dalton Rushing also contributed with a two-run single. The Dodgers were keen to avoid extra innings due to bullpen usage in the series. Smith’s performance this season solidifies his place as a top offensive player in MLB.

**News Article:**

**Smith’s Pinch-Hit Homer Seals Dodgers Victory Over Padres**

**LOS ANGELES** – Will Smith etched his name further into Dodgers lore Wednesday night with a dramatic, pinch-hit, walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth, propelling Los Angeles to a 4-3 victory over the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. The win guarantees the Dodgers at least a series victory in the four-game set.

Smith’s blast, off Padres closer Robert Suarez, sailed just over the glove of a leaping Fernando Tatis Jr. in right field, sending the Dodger faithful into a frenzy. The homer was Smith’s third career pinch-hit walk-off, breaking a tie with Rick Monday for the most in franchise history. He now trails only Jason Giambi (6) for the MLB record.

“Walk-off homers are always fun,” Smith said. “They’re exciting, the crowd loves them. It’s fun to go home with fireworks and everything.”

The game featured the return of Emmet Sheehan from Tommy John surgery, who pitched four strong innings. Rookie Dalton Rushing provided an offensive spark with a two-run single earlier in the game, giving the Dodgers a 3-1 lead. Justin Wrobleski followed Sheehan with a strong five innings, but ran into trouble in the ninth, allowing the Padres to tie the game on a series of hits and an error.

Manager Dave Roberts, who jokingly claimed to have predicted Smith’s previous home run the night before, admitted to feeling a long ball coming on Wednesday, too.

The win was crucial for the Dodgers, who were keen to avoid extra innings after relying heavily on their bullpen in the first two games of the series. Wrobleski was preparing to pitch the tenth inning, but Smith’s timely blast spared the need.

Smith’s overall performance this season has been outstanding. His .966 OPS ranks among the league’s best, further solidifying his place as one of baseball’s premier catchers and bats.

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