The Los Angeles Dodgers appeared to be unraveling at the seams less than a week ago. The defending champions were losing games they should have won, and the San Diego Padres sat alone in first place of the NL West because of it.
After being swept by the Los Angeles Angels, the Dodgers looked lost as the Padres traveled down the Interstate 5 Freeway for a rivalry series that had major implications for the remainder of the season.
San Diego was in the midst of playing its best baseball with a reinforced lineup and bullpen thanks to a flurry of moves at the trade deadline.