Ohtani delivers for the Dodgers in their 4-3 win over the Padres

    Los Angeles Dodgers #17 Shohei Ohtani (DH) knocked in a run in the bottom of the sixth inning to give them a 4-3 lead.                                                                                                              Photo by TGSportstv1.

LOS ANGELES, CA - Shohei Ohtani had two hits, 2 RBIs, and one run to help the Los Angeles Dodgers (94-64) knock off the San Diego Padres (91-67) at Dodgers Stadium 4-3.

"He's the best player in baseball," Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy said of Ohtani. "You never think he's gonna get out. Every time he gets in the box, you're just waiting for something incredible to happen, and he really doesn't disappoint too often."

The Dodgers know they could clinch the NL West with a win on Thursday Night at home to close out the series with the Padres.

"You want to think about it," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "It's right in front of us. We'll be ready."

Jack Flaherty (RHP, 13-7) took the mound for the Dodgers and pitched 5.0 innings, gave up four hits and three runs, and had five strikeouts, but Alex Vesia (5-4) would pick up the win.

Dylan Cease for the Padres (RHP,14-11) also pitched 5.0 innings, gave up five hits and three runs, and had four strikeouts.

Freddie Freeman and Gavin Lux were the only two batters with at least two hits in the game.

The Dodgers took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning after Teoscar Hernandez hit a single into center-field with a line-drive and Shohei Ohtani scored.

The Padres would tie the score 1-1 in the top of the second inning with a single by Xander Bogtsaer to left field, and Manny Machado scored. San Diego took the lead 2-1. Jake Cronenworth grounded out to Gavin Lux and Jackson Merrill scored.

Lux would tie the score 2-2 in the bottom of the fourth inning with a sharp single to center field, and Tommy Edman came across home plate to score. Ohtani smashed a hit off the right field wall for a double, and Lux scored to give the Dodgers a 3-2 lead.

San Diego would tie the score 3-3 in the top of the fifth inning with a solo home run over the left-center field wall.

Los Angeles would score their final run to the win 4-3 when Ohtani singled into center field, and Will Smith, who got on base with a lead-off walk, came home to score in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Walker Buehler will be the starting pitcher for the Dodgers on Thursday Night to close out the series with the NL West Division on the table.