Mookie Betts Homers Twice as Dodgers Defeat Padres 8-3 in Cactus League Action

Mookie Betts delivered a vintage performance on Monday afternoon, launching two home runs and driving in four runs as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 8-3 in Cactus League action at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona.

The six-time All-Star looked locked in from his first at-bat, taking Padres starter Yu Darvish deep in the second inning with a towering three-run blast that traveled an estimated 425 feet to left-center field. Betts added a solo shot in the sixth inning off reliever Tim Hill, showcasing the power stroke that helped him win the 2018 MVP award.

"I'm feeling really good at the plate right now," Betts said after the game. "The work I've put in this offseason is starting to pay off, and my timing feels locked in. It's great to see the ball well this early in spring training, but the most important thing is staying healthy and being ready for Opening Day."

The offensive explosion wasn't limited to Betts, as Freddie Freeman added two hits and two RBIs, while Will Smith contributed a solo home run in the seventh inning. The Dodgers collected 12 hits against Padres pitching, demonstrating the kind of offensive depth that could make them formidable in 2026.

Dodgers starter Walker Buehler looked sharp in his four innings of work, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out five batters. The right-hander's fastball sat comfortably in the mid-90s, and his knuckle curve showed the sharp break that has made him one of baseball's premier postseason performers.

The victory improves the Dodgers to 5-1 in spring training play and provides early optimism for a team with World Series aspirations. Betts' hot start is particularly encouraging given his importance to the Dodgers' championship hopes and his goal of leading the team to its first full-season title since 1988. With just four weeks remaining before Opening Day, performances like this suggest the Dodgers are ready to make a serious run at their second championship in seven years.