Dodgers offense explodes in massive inning against Padres

For at least half an inning Saturday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers reminded everyone why they were complaining about them all winter. They displayed how dangerous they are and sent a message to the National League that they are the team to beat.

Los Angeles erupted for nine runs in the sixth inning at Petco Park, blowing open what had been a tight 2-1, rivalry game and rolling to a 10-2 lead.

The outburst tied the Dodgers’ biggest inning of the season. They scored nine in the first inning against the Angels earlier this month, surpassing their six-run inning against the Cubs on April 25. Saturday’s version was all the sweeter since it was against their division rival.

The inning showcased just how much firepower the two-time defending champions have.

<1 / 21

<2 / 21

<3 / 21

<4 / 21

Milwaukee Brewers catcher Gary Sanchez wears a special chest protector to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at American Family Field on April 15, 2026.

<5 / 21

<6 / 21

<7 / 21

<8 / 21

<9 / 21

<10 / 21

<11 / 21

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Konnor Griffin celebrates with a traffic cone after making his major-league debut in a 5-4 defeat of the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park on April 3, 2026.

<12 / 21

<13 / 21

Cleveland Guardians players warm up as the launch of NASA’s Artemis II is shown on the center-field video board at Dodger Stadium on April 1, 2026.

<14 / 21

<15 / 21

<16 / 21

<17 / 21

<18 / 21

<19 / 21

<20 / 21

<21 / 21

Two F-35C planes from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron NINE Detachment Edwards Air Force Base perform a flyover before the Opening Day game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on March 26, 2026.

Mookie Betts launched a three-run homer and Kyle Tucker added a two-run shot. Tommy Edman doubled and tripled and drove in two. Max Muncy and Freddie Freeman piled on with extra-base hits as the Dodgers batted around against three San Diego pitchers. By the time the inning ended, Los Angeles had 11 hits and the Padres bullpen was searching for help.

Padres starter Randy Vasquez took the brunt of it before the rally fully ignited, charged with seven runs in 3⅓ innings. San Diego’s pitching surrendered seven extra-base hits on the night.

The Dodgers went into Saturday night’s game with the best record in baseball and an eight game lead over the Padres in the National League West.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dodgers offense explodes in massive inning against Padres