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After pitching three scoreless innings, Seth Lugo of the Padres was slammed by the Dodgers for 8 runs in the fourth.

Lugo thought he was tipping his pitches because it seemed the Dodgers knew exactly what was coming. He explained to reporters after the game.

Or maybe Lugo was underestimating the Dodgers’ offensive prowess. 

He might have been tipping his pitches, but his control had deteriorated between the third and fourth. He was serving up pitches in the middle of the strike zone or walking guys.

The Dodgers don’t miss hittable pitches, nor do they expand the strike zone. Yes, it is a rare occasion when the Dodgers score 8 runs in one inning. They haven’t done it this season before Monday.

Over the weekend, the Dodgers proved why they are leading the National League Western Division, and the Padres are hoping against hope to earn a National League Wild Card spot.

While coming into the series, the Padres had the best ERA in the major leagues. Yes, their pitching staff is dealing with some injuries, but the Dodgers just dominated the Padres’ pitching. 

San Diego never even once turned to their best reliever, Josh Hader, during the series. Save for the eighth inning on Saturday, the Dodgers outplayed the Padres in every facet of the game. While the Dodgers have mediocre pitching, they could silence both Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. They could hit any pitcher that the Padres ran out there. They could make spectacular catches. 

Lugo might be worried about tipping his pitches, but the Dodgers are a superior team.