Mookie Betts: Dodgers Weren’t Distracted By Padres’ ‘Tactics’

The Los Angeles Dodgers rallied for a 5-2 victory over the San Diego Padres in 10 innings on Sunday that gave them a third consecutive series win for the first time this season.

The three-game set was the Dodgers’ first at Petco Park since they were eliminated by the Padres in the National League Division Series. The matchup had a playoff-like atmosphere, with energetic crowds and San Diego even taking the time to troll Clayton Kershaw after their only win in the series opener.

Mookie Betts, who played a big role in the Dodgers’ comeback win in the series finale, was also the subject of a derogatory sign spotted in the stands on Saturday.

Betts downplayed both incidents and believes the Dodgers are a disciplined group that is able to tune out potential distractions, via Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:

“That’s just tactics to try to get under our skin, make us act out of character, those types of things,” Betts said. “But I think we got a lot of vets in here that know how to handle ourselves. No matter what the outside says or does, we’re the ones that determine the game.”

Betts’ words rung true as he hit a two-out, game-tying home run off Padres closer Josh Hader in the ninth that allowed the Dodgers to steal a win in extra innings.

In addition to his on-field heroics, Betts was mic’d up for ESPN Sunday Night Baseball and discussed several topics, including the Dodgers-Padres rivalry and if it has reached the same level as the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.

Will Smith: Dodgers-Padres series like ‘postseason games’

After advancing to the second round of the playoffs and further improving their roster, the Padres’ rivalry with the Dodgers has only continued to grow this season.

Will Smith said it reached the point where nearly every game between the two teams feels like a postseason matchup.