Chris Taylor Subtly Kicks Padres When They’re Down Following Dodgers Sweep

The Dodgers are on a roll right now, capping off a sweep of the Padres with a 4-0 shutout and 13th win in 15 games. While the stretch of hot play started before the last series in San Diego, the team has seemed a bit more galvanized since their one loss to the Padres two Fridays ago. The one where some video board operator at Petco Park decided to place a meme of Clayton Kershaw on the jumbotron.

Dodgers outfielder Chris Taylor talked about Sunday afternoon’s win with reporters and found a way to rub a little dirt in the wound for the Padres along the way.

“I think we’re just playing good baseball. It’s just two good series wins. I don’t think it means anything else,” Chris Taylor said then was reminded about the Kershaw meme.

“What did Julio (Urias) say? I think he nailed it. Whoever laughs last, laughs best.”

Via OC Register

With the win, the Dodgers took sole possession of the best record in the National League and jumped two spaces in the most recent MLB power rankings (fifth to third). Meanwhile, while the Padres are floundering having lost 7 of 8 and falling to 3 games under .500.

“It’s just good to play good baseball against a team like that,” manager Dave Roberts said after the win. “Put some distance between us and them.”

Mookie Homers For Mama Diane

Mookie Betts was one of the heroes of the Mother’s Day win. He got the Dodgers on the board first with a third inning home run off San Diego starter Ryan Weathers. It was a great moment that will surely live on in gif form on Twitter.

“I remember going back to summer ball and she was always there,” Betts said on the SNLA postgame. “She’s always cheering and supporting and I can hear her when I’m going up to the batter’s box. Nothing’s changed and I’m just glad to have an amazing mom.”

Via SNLA

Bullpen on Alert Once Again for Syndergaard

Noah Syndergaard gets the ball for the Dodgers today, hoping his glued up finger holds up for more than one inning. Dave Roberts had the full update on Sunday following a bullpen session on Saturday. The result: Noah is a full go… but guys will be ready.

“Yesterday’s pen, he came out of it well,” Roberts said. “Today he put some stuff on it and got through catch play. I think right now we’re good to go. … I think all of us have confidence that he will be able to go deep in the game and pitch efficiently.”