June 9, 2025, 9:40 PM ET — Los Angeles Dodgers (39-27) vs. San Diego Padres (37-27) is one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the early summer. The battle between two NL WEST powerhouses ranks first and fourth in the division and renews their rivalry with their first meeting since the dramatic 2024 NLDS series, which saw the Padres oust a heavily favored Dodgers squad. The intrigue surrounding this game goes beyond the standings, with fans talking and playoff scars still fresh.
San Diego Padres fans rally behind the team in postseason revenge rematch
Waves of belief and intensity are packed over Petco Park with Padres fans. Locally, the excitement has been building—the Padres have won eight out of their last ten heading into this series. This isn’t just a typical regular-season series for many in San Diego, but a sequel to last year’s shocking playoff sweep.Mike Shildt, the San Diego manager, has tried to keep everyone’s focus and the game chatter out of their heads, but does recognize that it lends energy. He said, “We know what this series means to the fans and our guys. But we’ve got to approach it like any other game—go out there for some clean baseball, one pitch at a time.”The Padres’ offense, fueled by Fernando Tatis Jr. and Xander Bogaerts, is suddenly chugging, while their rotation is quietly one of the more effective in the National League. The wind seems to be in their sails, and the local chatter about a Dodgers sweep is starting to reach a crescendo.
Los Angeles Dodgers look to reclaim division dominance after a rocky stretch
This was a good start to what is a key test for the Dodgers this trip in San Diego. Even while standing two games atop the NL West, they’ve been a mixed bag the last few weeks. Still, injuries and bullpen issues have put L.A. fans on edge, and thoughts of being swept from the postseason by the Padres resonate with a lingering cough ever since their early exit.The veteran Dodgers skipper, Dave Roberts, knows this matchup is a big deal. He said, “It always feels like a fight coming here. You respect what they have, but our guys are ready. We want to put our foot down for the rest of the season.”Also Read: What Max Muncy and Freddie Freeman did to spark an extra-inning win for Los Angeles DodgersMookie Betts and Freddie Freeman lead the pack, and with ace Tyler Glasnow on the hill, the Dodgers will attempt to silence the hot San Diego crowd and remind the league why they have been championship contenders for the last ten years.
