Dodgers-Padres takeaways: A rejuvenated Los Angeles club sweeps a struggling San Diego offenseHere’s what we learned from this weekend’s showdown atop the NL West.Fabian Ardaya and Dennis Lin121 (Fabian Ardaya and Dennis Lin – The Athletic)

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Just a few days ago, it seemed like the San Diego Padres had everything in front of them. The bold moves AJ Preller made at last month's trade deadline were working like gangbusters, and his team had ridden a revamped lineup and high-octane bullpen to nine wins in 12 games and sole possession of first place in the NL West.

The Los Angeles Dodgers swept the San Diego Padres in the three-game series at Dodger Stadium. Yu Darvish gave up four runs in the first inning, and the Padres were left clawing back and did so, tying the game up at four in the eighth inning. However, Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts then hit a go-ahead home run that clinched the series.

LOS ANGELES — It was touted as the biggest series of the month. It was billed as a potential passing of the torch, with the San Diego Padres threatening to win the National League West for the first time in 19 years. Instead, Sunday’s finale ended in a three-game sweep — and a relatively convincing one, at that.

Dodgers fans still haven't forgiven Manny Machado for leaving Los Angeles to sign with the Padres, but they ultimately got the last laugh on Sunday, as Machado struck out against Alex Vesia to end the series and secure a sweep for the Dodgers.

After returning from Tommy John surgery earlier in the season, the right-hander had been on the injured list since June before he was granted his release.

Dodgers reclaim NL West after sweeping the Padres. Commissioner Manfred talks about MLB expansion and realignment. Jake and Jordan recap every series from the weekend. Start off your week with us here at Baseball Bar-B-Cast.