Emmet Sheehan outdueled Michael King and the Los Angeles Dodgers knocked off the San Diego Padres 4-2 on Sunday, June 28, 2026, in a crisp nine-inning division rivalry win. Mookie Betts provided the offensive spark with two RBIs on a 2-for-4 night, while Sheehan kept San Diego's lineup in check through five innings to earn the decision. The two-run margin was enough as the Dodgers' bullpen slammed the door the rest of the way. In a division race where every game against San Diego carries weight, this one mattered.

Emmet Sheehan Controls the Padres for Five Innings

Sheehan was the story on the mound. The 24-year-old right-hander went five full innings, scattering two hits and two walks while striking out five and allowing just one earned run. That's the kind of start that builds confidence — efficient enough to keep the bullpen fresh, sharp enough to keep San Diego from stringing anything dangerous together. He got the win, and he earned it.

Michael King, on the other hand, had a rough one for the Padres. The right-hander lasted just 4.1 innings, surrendering all four Dodgers runs on three hits and four walks with five strikeouts. The walk total was the killer — King was consistently putting himself in trouble, and the Dodgers made him pay.

Mookie Betts Delivers the Key Blows

Betts went 2-for-4 and drove in both of his runs in what was a typically professional performance at the plate. When the game needed a push, Betts provided it. That's been his calling card throughout his Dodgers tenure, and Sunday was no different. He didn't homer, but his two RBIs were the backbone of the Dodger scoring that ultimately proved decisive.

San Diego Gets Contributions But Not Enough

The Padres didn't go quietly. Manny Machado went 2-for-4 with a home run and an RBI, doing what Machado does in big spots. Xander Bogaerts added two hits and an RBI as well — San Diego had enough offense to make things interesting but not enough to overcome the early deficit the Dodgers carved out against King.

Dodgers Bullpen Shuts It Down

After Sheehan exited, the Dodgers' relief corps took care of business. Alex Vesia gave up a run in two-thirds of an inning, which tightened things briefly, but Will Klein (1.0 IP, 2 K) and Tanner Scott (1.1 IP, 2 K) held the line. Edgardo Henriquez closed it out with a clean ninth — one walk, no hits — to earn the save.

San Diego's bullpen, to its credit, also settled in after King's departure. Yuki Matsui, Jason Adam, and Wandy Peralta combined for 4.2 innings of scoreless relief for the Padres, but the damage had already been done.

Turning Point: King's Walk Trouble in the Middle Innings

The game turned on King's inability to throw strikes. Four walks in 4.1 innings against a Dodgers lineup that punishes free passes is a recipe for exactly what happened. The Dodgers didn't need to beat King with their bats alone — they let him beat himself, and Betts made sure the opportunities were converted into runs.

What's Next for the Dodgers

The Dodgers continue to build momentum with another quality performance against a division rival. Any win against the Padres tightens the NL West race, and the combination of a young starter like Sheehan stepping up and Betts continuing to produce is exactly what this team needs heading deeper into the 2026 season.

  • Emmet Sheehan: 5.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K — Win
  • Mookie Betts: 2-for-4, 2 RBI
  • Michael King: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 5 K — Loss
  • Manny Machado: 2-for-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI
  • Edgardo Henriquez: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER — Save