The two Southern California foes clashed for the first time in 2026, renewing the rivalry with a compelling three-game set that offered reasons for optimism on both sides.

The way Mason Miller has pitched since his arrival in San Diego, you figured it might take something strange for him to ever lose. You weren’t wrong.

Andy Pages knew he had to get his timing right. Down 0-2 in the count against San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller and his MLB-best 53.6% strikeout rate, with the go-ahead run 90 feet away in the top of the ninth inning,

Mason Miller’s command was just a little too wild Tuesday night. Both to the plate, and to first base. With the Dodgers and Padres tied in the ninth inning at Petco Park, San Diego’s superstar closer made a mess for himself to blow his first game of the season.

A heart-stopping finish at Petco Park: The Dodgers capitalized on a costly error and a clutch ABS challenge to snatch a dramatic win from the Padres.

The eighth inning ended, the lights went out, the heavy metal chords blared, and -- with first place on the line in the National League West -- the familiar, hulking figure of Mason Miller emerged from the left-center-field bullpen at Petco Park.