Betts’ eighth-inning home run breaks a 4-4 tie and completes the sweep with a 5-4 win over the Padres. It also extends a hot streak born of a different approach.

Mookie Betts hit a tiebreaking solo home run leading off the eighth inning after Los Angeles blew a four-run lead and the Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres 5-4 on Sunday to increase their NL West lead to two games.

With one swing, Betts issued another reminder of what he’s capable of. The Dodgers, by sweeping the San Diego Padres with a 5-4 win on Sunday, did the same, reclaiming sole possession of first place in the NL West through a renewed, focused level of play and a bullpen currently held together by duct tape.