LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers had everything lined up for Manny Machado on Saturday night. It was his bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium, wife Yainee threw out the ceremonial first pitch and manager Dave Roberts dropped the slugger a notch into the cleanup spot.
Take your pick of catalyst, but Machado responded with a three-run homer off Jacob Nix during a five-run third inning that powered a 7-2 win over the Padres as the Dodgers reduced their magic number for clinching the National League West to seven.
Los Angeles took a six-run lead into the ninth, but San Diego scored a run and loaded the bases with one out against Yimi Garcia and Tony Cingrani, prompting Roberts to call on closer Kenley Jansen, who struck out two to slam the door.