The San Diego Padres’ victory over the division-rival San Francisco Giants last night was more than just their 70th win of the season, it felt like the kind of spark this team has been searching for. After a rough weekend sweep at the hands of the Dodgers in Los Angeles and a tough loss to Giants in Monday’s series opener, the Friars came into the game needing a jolt. They got it, and in convincing fashion, by reawakening their bats and showing the resilience that’s kept them in the NL West hunt all year.
San Francisco set the tone early with a leadoff home run to right-center field from Jung Hoo Lee, but the Giant’s hot start quickly fizzled out. Padres starter Nick Pivetta was dominant on the mound, settling in to throw six strong innings. Outside of Lee’s homer, Pivetta allowed just two additional hits and a pair of walks while striking out 10. His ability to control the game gave San Diego the breathing room they needed to let the offense take over.
And the bats responded. The lineup produced steady pressure throughout the night, with Manny Machado and Ryan O’Hearn each collecting multiple hits. Jose Iglesias delivered one of the biggest swings of the game in the fourth inning – a clutch single into left with the bases loaded and the score tied – helping to break things open and swing the momentum fully in San Diego’s favor.
With the win, the Padres not only reached the 70-win mark, but also closed the gap on the Dodgers to just two games in the division race. With less than six weeks left in the regular season, the NL West is shaping up to be a battle to the wire and if last night was any indication, the Friars are finding their fight at exactly the right time.
MORE MLB News:
