Dodger pitcher Yu Darvish reveals incendiary insight into the contentious Padres-Dodgers feud
Yu Darvish Delivers Gem in Padres' Division-Defining Victory
Yu Darvish returned to the mound on Friday night and delivered a performance that will be long remembered by San Diego Padres fans. The Japanese pitcher, who had been sidelined for much of the 2025 MLB season due to a shoulder injury, didn't disappoint in his comeback game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Darvish threw for six innings, surrendering just one hit, the only earned run of the game. He struck out five batters, improving his season record to 3-3. The win ties the Padres with the Dodgers atop the NL West standings.
"It feels good to be back," Darvish said after the game. "Every game gets my juices flowing."
Darvish was a little bit nervous going back in there and was more amped up than usual. But the energy and support from the Petco Park fans proved to be particularly powerful, according to Darvish.
"The energy and support from the Petco Park fans was electric," Darvish said. "I've been to many stadiums, but the energy and support here is something special."
Manny Machado gushed over Darvish's strong start on Friday. "Yu was on fire out there," Machado said. "He threw a gem of a performance and gave us a chance to win."
The game was intense and a great matchup between the two teams, Darvish described. The Padres found victory at Petco Park to be thrilling, and the win was especially important in the rivalry and the division standings.
"Beating the Dodgers is always important, but to do it in a game like this, it makes it even sweeter," Darvish said.
The Padres will look to avenge their sweep by the Dodgers and take a lead in the NL West division at Petco Park. The game between the two teams on Saturday will take place at 4:10 EST. Darvish is slated to start for the Padres in the decisive game for the division title.
The Dodgers won the season series against the Padres, but Darvish and the Padres will be looking to turn the tide in their favour. With Darvish back and pitching at a high level, the Padres have a real chance to take control of the division and make a run at the World Series.
