Manny Machado delivered a standout performance, going 4-for-5 with three RBIs as the San Diego Padres defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 9-2 on Sunday afternoon. This key performance helped the Padres secure a split in the four-game series while playing on the road.
Additional Contributions Fuel Padres Offense
Jackson Merrill contributed two RBIs for San Diego, which won its last two games of the series. Luis Arraez also had a strong showing, finishing 3-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI, while Xander Bogaerts added power with a home run. These efforts complemented Machado’s performance and made it difficult for the Cardinals’ pitching staff to contain the Padres.
Pitching Recap: Stephen Kolek Gains First Win Since May
Padres starter Stephen Kolek earned his first victory since late May, pitching six innings and allowing two runs on four hits while issuing three walks. Kolek struck out two batters en route to a 4-5 record. On the Cardinals’ side, starter Michael McGreevy struggled, giving up seven runs on nine hits in just 4 2/3 innings, with two walks and two strikeouts.
Early Scoring Sets the Tone in Padres’ Favor
The Padres quickly jumped ahead 2-0 in the opening inning. Fernando Tatis Jr. reached base on a walk, advanced to third on Luis Arraez’s single, and scored on Machado’s double. Arraez then scored after an errant throw from Cardinals center fielder Victor Scott II hit Machado as he slid into second base, increasing the lead.
Padres Expand Lead with Fourth-Inning Rally
San Diego extended its advantage to 3-0 in the third inning and then broke the game open with a four-run outburst in the fourth. Gavin Sheets and Jake Cronenworth led off with singles before Sheets moved to third and scored on a bunt by Elias Diaz. Arraez followed with an RBI single, and Machado drove in two more runs with a double to make it 7-0. Despite a challenging inning, right fielder Jordan Walker made a crucial diving catch to end the third inning and limit further Cardinals damage.
Cardinals Attempt a Late Comeback
The Cardinals managed to score in the sixth inning when Ivan Herrera walked, followed by Alec Burleson’s 13th home run of the season, narrowing the gap to 7-2. However, the Padres responded quickly as Bogaerts hit a home run in the seventh inning, pushing the lead back to 8-2. San Diego added one more run in the eighth on singles from Tatis Jr., Machado, and Merrill, finalizing the score at 9-2.
Impact of the Game and Series Outcome
With this win, the Padres ended their series against the Cardinals on a positive note by splitting the four-game set. Machado’s key performance was instrumental in this success, providing timely hits and RBIs that propelled San Diego’s offense throughout the game. As the Padres build momentum, their recent wins may boost confidence and improve their standing moving forward in the season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What surgery did Manny Machado have?
A. SAN DIEGO — Manny Machado, a key player for the Padres, had surgery on his elbow on Tuesday. The team hopes he can play again by the start of the 2024 season. The surgery, which was to fix a tendon in his right elbow, had been planned for several weeks.