Dodgers 3, Padres 2. Clayton Kershaw carved six innings of masterful, efficient pitching, allowing only two hits and one earned run, setting the tone for a tight, carry-the-load win. The offense supplied just enough—Freeman and Conforto delivering timely hits, with Freeland chipping in late—while the bullpen slammed the door in a night with a shaky bullpen outlook. The win reshapes the mood heading into the next game and whether Kershaw can be a postseason factor looms large.

The bottom of the lineup delivered clutch work, Otani and Betts contributing productive outs and a sac fly from Betts. Machado and Machado-adjacent moments for the Padres flashed the contrast between a veteran charge and a Dodgers resurgence. The win also sparked debate about Kershaw’s October role, with the rotation looking real again and the Dodgers showing urgency in bullpen management as they hold a critical series edge.

This week's discussion centers on the 'what if' moments in Chicago White Sox history, highlighting pivotal decisions and events that could have significantly altered the franchise's trajectory. From the 2019 offseason where the Sox pursued star free agents Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, to the regretful trade of Fernando Tatis Jr., the conversation dives deep into how these decisions shaped the team's fortunes. Another key point raised is the impact of the 1994 player strike, which robbed a strong team of a potential World Series title and delayed a championship drought until 2005. The episode offers a compelling retrospective on how the White Sox navigated through these pivotal moments.