Dodgers avoid five-run blown lead to complete sweep of Padres

LOS ANGELES (KYMA, KECY) - The Los Angeles Dodgers edged out the San Diego Padres in a tight 5-4 victory at Dodger Stadium on Sunday afternoon, taking the driver seat in the National League West Division.

The Dodgers got off to a hot start against Padres starter Yu Darvish. Freddie Freeman got the scoring started with a three-run shot in the first inning.

Andy Pages followed suit with a solo home run of his own to give Los Angeles a 4-0 lead at the end of the first frame.

Darvish eventually settled in, getting through the following three innings without allowing a run.

On the offensive side, the Padres slowly mounted a comeback. Fernando Tatis Jr. doubled in the third inning, allowing Jake Cronenworth to score. Trade deadline acquisitions Ramon Laureano and Ryan O'Hearn did their part, both recording RBIs to cut the game to 4-3.

Xander Bogaerts crossed home plate on a Jose Iglesias groundout to tie the game in the eighth inning.

After a lack of offensive production following the big first inning, Mookie Betts took matters into his own hands with a towering home run to regain the lead for the Dodgers.

Alex Vesia closed the game out for Los Angeles in his 58th appearance of the year, completing the series sweep.

The Dodgers move to 71-53 and take a two-game lead over the Padres in the division.