Dodgers steal series from Padres thanks to late-inning heroes

Is the Los Angeles Dodgers-San Diego Padres matchup a rivalry?

No.

Does the matchup provide intense playoff-like moments?

Absolutely.

Ever since San Diego shocked the baseball world and knocked the Dodgers out of the playoffs last fall, there have been debates on whether this matchup has taken its place as the premier rivalry in the sport.

While Mookie Betts doesn't seem to think so, the Padres were definitely looking to make a statement with the series this weekend. 

San Diego's offense jumped all over reigning National League Pitcher of the Month Clayton Kershaw on Friday night, taking the opening game of the three-game set by a 5-2 final score. 

The Dodgers responded on Saturday with a six-inning scoreless performance from Dustin May. Chris Taylor's two-run home run was all the offense Los Angeles needed to even up the series. 

The finale on Sunday -- which was broadcast nationally on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball -- delivered a low-scoring affair that felt like a playoff game from last October. San Diego got on the board early, scoring two runs in the first inning against Julio Urías.

The Dodgers were able to get one run back thanks to an RBI double from Will Smith, but on the whole, the Dodger's bats seemed to be dormant. Heading into the ninth inning down by a run, Los Angeles had already left nine runners on base and it seemed like San Diego had all but sealed the deal when they brought in closer Josh Hader.

The dominant reliever blew through the first two Dodger hitters and needed only to retire Betts to exit the weekend feeling good. Betts punished a 3-1 sinker that leaked back over the plate, though, depositing it into the left field bleachers to tie up the game.