Player of the gameWalker BuehlerSDP5.1ip 3h 1er 5k
For nearly a decade, Walker Buehler has starred in the Padres-Dodgers rivalry. It’s just that … he usually did it wearing blue. But on Friday night, facing his former team for the second time -- and the first time as a Padre -- Buehler led San Diego to a series-opening 7-1 victory over the Dodgers. Ty France's three-run home run put the Padres on top early, and they tacked on some late insurance runs en route to their fourth straight victory. Here’s some instant reaction from Petco Park: **Buehler’s renaissance continues** The Padres had high hopes for Buehler when they signed him. But even they likely didn’t envision *this*. Improbably, Buehler has become one of the team’s most reliable starting pitchers. In June, he’s even looked something like an ace. (Even if he’s doing it a bit differently these days.) Before the game Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted that he knew Buehler would come out with something to prove. “Yeah,” Buehler said. “I want to kick everyone’s \[butt\
