The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen could not hold a sizable lead against the San Diego Padres on Sunday, resulting in an extra-innings loss and the club dropping their first series of the season.
San Diego at one point trailed 7-1 but made up the deficit by scoring two runs each in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings. An Eric Hosmer sacrifice fly in the 11th inning proved to be the difference-maker.
Hosmer believes the Padres sent a message to the defending World Series champions with their victory on national television and by taking four of the first seven head-to-head meetings, per Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune:
“I think we certainly made a statement,” Hosmer said.