Things sure have changed since the last time the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers clashed, back in June. The Dodgers were running away in the NL West then with a nine-game lead. The Padres were in third place.

San Diego is 69-53 overall and 31-33 on the road. The Padres have the fifth-ranked team batting average in the NL at .251. The teams meet Saturday for the ninth time this season. The Dodgers lead the season series 6-2.

After three straight hits to open the third, the Dodgers tied it at 1 when Shohei Ohtani grounded into a fielder's choice to second that scored Michael Conforto. Betts' sacrifice fly scored Alex Freeland before Ohtani was caught stealing to end the inning. Hernández homered 400 feet to center off Jeremiah Estrada in the seventh for a 3-1 lead.

The National League West division race is heating up as the San Diego Padres close in on the Los Angeles Dodgers, setting up the tightest battle between these two rivals in 15 years. The Padres beat the Giants.

Padres reliever Jeremiah Estrada has flourished by discovering the virtues of the elevated fastball, pairing elite velocity with elite characteristics that make it death on those who dare to swing at an elevated heater. But Hernández was ready for it, taking an elevated fastball for a strike before unleashing on the second one he saw.

Padres catcher Freddy Fermin crashed into the padded railing in front of the camera well next to San Diego's dugout trying to make a foul catch on Andy Pages. Fermin hit the railing with his chest and the ball was jarred loose. He stayed in the game.

The San Diego Padres play against the Los Angeles Dodgers in an MLB game tonight. Fans can watch this game for free online.

The workers, who unionized last year, are ramping up the pressure during contract negotiations that have stalled over wages and benefits.