Dodgers Turn Early Deficit into Dominant Win Over Padres The Los Angeles Dodgers staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a six-run deficit against the San Diego Padres to secure a 12-7 victory at Dodger Stadium on Thursday night. The dramatic turnaround marked the team’s second-largest margin of victory in a game they trailed by six or more runs since at least 1900, trailing only a 12-6 win over the Braves on May 13, 1951. It also represented their first comeback win of at least six runs since July 13, 2022, in St. Louis. The victory extended the Dodgers’ lead in the NL West to 13 games. The game began with the Padres capitalizing on early opportunities, as Roki Sasaki, the Dodgers’ starting pitcher, struggled to find his rhythm. The Padres struck quickly in the first inning with a two-run home run by Manny Machado, followed by a solo shot from Jackson Merrill and a three-run blast by Jake Cronenworth in the second. Sasaki, who had faced the Padres just six days prior, pitched three innings while surrendering seven hits, two walks, and six earned runs on 88 pitches. Despite a third-inning strikeout of the side, the three home runs forced an early bullpen call. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the team would review Sasaki’s performance to determine if the Padres had exploited tactical advantages. “Roki was on everything he threw,” Roberts said. “We’re going to do a little dive and see if he was tipping his pitches. There’s a little bit of adjustment you need to make, but you look at some of the pitches—they weren’t good pitches either. You still got to make good pitches.” Sasaki, speaking through interpreter Kensuke Okubo, admitted to challenges in navigating the Padres’ lineup twice in under a week. “Last outing, I was not able to execute my pitches and I fell behind the count,” he said.#los_angeles_dodgers #manny_machado #san_diego_padres #dave_roberts #jake_cronenworth
Padres Rally Past Braves in Dramatic 10th-Inning Walk-Off Manny Machado delivered a walk-off single on the first pitch of the bottom of the 10th inning, lifting the San Diego Padres to a 7-6 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night at Petco Park. The dramatic win came after a tense game marked by a late rally and clutch performances from key players. Machado’s hit, which came with two outs, secured the Padres’ second straight win and extended their homestand success. Mason Miller, the Padres’ reliever, held Atlanta scoreless in both the ninth and 10th innings, marking the first time he’d completed two innings as a Padre. His dominance set the stage for Machado’s game-winning at-bat. The Braves had taken a 4-0 lead in the top of the second inning, but the Padres staged a five-run rally in the bottom of the sixth to take the lead. The comeback continued in the seventh, when Fernando Tatis Jr. tied the game at six with his third home run of the season. The blast, a Statcast-projected 410-foot shot to center field, came off a sinker that caught the inside corner of the plate from Carlos Carrasco. Tatis, who has struggled with power output this season, emphasized his focus on fundamentals despite the struggles. “The home runs will come,” he said. “And if not, whatever. We’re here to play good baseball. Obviously homers are a part of it. But I’m going to keep going out there, get on base for the team, good at-bats out there, and just try to hit the ball hard, all around the field.” Tatis, who also hit an RBI double in the second inning, is batting .286 with an OPS of .718. His recent performance has signaled a potential resurgence in his power production. Machado’s recent success has been critical to the Padres’ recent wins.#atlanta_braves #manny_machado #san_diego_padres #petco_park #fernando_tatis_jr
San Diego Padres Defeat NL East-Leading Atlanta Braves 1-0 in Low-Scoring Clash The San Diego Padres secured a 1-0 victory over the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves on Monday night, with Manny Machado delivering a key home run and Michael King pitching seven strong innings to earn his first win since May 18. The result marked the Braves’ eighth loss in their last 11 games and shifted the National League standings, as the Los Angeles Dodgers overtook Atlanta for the best record in the majors. The Padres, coming off a 4-5 road trip through Baltimore, St. Louis, and Texas, will face the Braves in a three-game series before hosting the Dodgers for three games this weekend. Machado, who entered the game hitting just .179, launched a solo home run into the Padres’ bullpen beyond the center-field fence in the fourth inning against Atlanta starter Grant Holmes (4-4). The blast marked his 14th home run of the season and 43rd RBI, propelling San Diego to a crucial win. Machado also contributed a double leading off the eighth inning, marking his fourth hit of the game. Over his last 13 at-bats, Machado has recorded 10 extra-base hits, showcasing his growing offensive impact. King (5-6) dominated the Braves, holding them to six singles while striking out five and walking none. The right-hander retired the side in order in the second inning after the Braves loaded the bases with two outs, retiring Jorge Mateo to end the threat. King’s performance extended his streak of scoreless innings to 18 2/3, and his win marked a significant milestone after a two-month winless stretch. The victory also helped the Padres regain a half-game lead in the NL West over the Dodgers, though the Dodgers reclaimed the top spot the following night. The Braves’ struggles continued as their starting pitcher, JR Ritchie (1-2, 4.#atlanta_braves #los_angeles_dodgers #manny_machado #san_diego_padres #michael_king
Padres Cap Wild Game Against Braves with Extra-Innings Win The San Diego Padres secured a dramatic 7-6 victory over the Atlanta Braves in a 10-inning thriller at Petco Park on June 23, 2026. The game, marked by explosive run innings and a resilient comeback, highlighted the Padres’ ability to rally despite early struggles. The win marked their second consecutive victory in a month, a rare occurrence for a team grappling with inconsistencies in its starting rotation. The contest began with the Braves taking an early 4-0 lead in the top of the second inning, fueled by a nine-run outburst. The Padres, however, responded with a historic rally in the bottom of the same frame. After six consecutive batters reached base, the Padres scored five runs against Braves starter JR Ritchie, trimming the deficit to 4-3. The momentum shifted further when Samad Taylor’s infield single plated Sung-Mun Song, who then raced home after a botched throw by Braves shortstop Mauricio Dubón. The error allowed Fernando Tatis Jr. to round third and score, giving the Padres a 5-4 lead. The Braves retook the lead in the fifth inning, capitalizing on a wild pitch and a double by Michael Harris II to score. Dubón’s home run in the fifth extended the Braves’ advantage, but the Padres continued their fight. Jackson Merrill, who had missed a potential game-tying home run by a foot, delivered a double in the fifth, setting the stage for further drama. The game remained tightly contested, with the Braves tying it 5-5 in the fourth and reestablishing their lead in the fifth. However, the Padres’ resilience persisted. In the seventh inning, Tatis Jr. launched a towering home run off Carlos Carrasco, tying the game at 6-6.#atlanta_braves #manny_machado #san_diego_padres #petco_park #jr_ritchie
Ozzie Albies and Manny Machado Lead Braves, Padres Into Crucial Series The Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres, two of the National League’s most formidable teams in 2026, are set to clash in a pivotal series opener at Petco Park in San Diego. The matchup, scheduled for Monday at 10:10 p.m. ET/7:10 p.m. PT, will be broadcast on ESPN and streamed via the ESPN app. This will mark the first meeting between the clubs this season, with both squads vying for playoff positioning in a highly competitive NL landscape. The Braves, currently boasting a 48-28 record (.632), hold the best record in Major League Baseball, while the Padres trail the NL Wild Card race by a half-game at 39-37 (.513). Atlanta’s offensive prowess remains a key strength, as the team ranks sixth in the league in on-base plus slugging (OPS) at .738 and sixth in batting average (.253). Despite the absence of star slugger Ronald Acuña Jr., who is sidelined with a left hamstring strain, the Braves’ lineup continues to thrive. Center fielder Michael Harris II, first baseman Matt Olson, and rookie catcher Drake Baldwin—named NL Rookie of the Year in 2025—form a potent core of power and production. The Braves’ recent performance underscores their dominance. Following a series victory over the Milwaukee Brewers at Truist Park, the team showcased resilience and offensive firepower. On Friday, they defeated NL Cy Young contender Jacob Misiorowski, and on Saturday, they closed out the series with a dramatic walk-off home run from Ozzie Albies. Albies, a key figure in Atlanta’s lineup, has been instrumental in maintaining the team’s momentum heading into the series against the Padres. Meanwhile, the Padres have struggled to meet expectations in 2026 but have shown flashes of brilliance in recent weeks.#ozzie_albies #atlanta_braves #manny_machado #san_diego_padres #petco_park
Samad Taylor, Padres Lose to Reds in 11 Innings The San Diego Padres suffered a 5-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds in a 11-inning marathon at Petco Park on Tuesday night, as missed opportunities and clutch failures plagued their offense. The Padres left the go-ahead run at third base in the eighth inning, loaded the bases with one out in the ninth, and stranded the winning run at second base in the 10th. Their struggles with runners in scoring position culminated in a 3-for-20 performance in such situations, highlighting a critical weakness in their lineup. Samad Taylor, the Padres’ latest call-up, emerged as a bright spot in the game. Hoped to provide a spark after replacing Nick Castellanos on the roster, Taylor exceeded expectations with his all-around contributions. Over the past three games, he has been San Diego’s most impactful offensive player, combining power, speed, and defensive prowess. Taylor’s game-tying single in the 10th inning sent the contest to extras, a clutch hit that underscored his value to the team. Manager Craig Stammen praised Taylor’s energy and performance, calling him “everything the Padres hoped he’d be—and then some.” Despite Taylor’s heroics, the Padres’ offense struggled to capitalize on key moments. In the ninth inning, Manny Machado, a veteran known for his clutch hitting, faced a critical situation with the bases loaded and one out. Machado, who had already recorded two hits in the game, struck out swinging, and Gavin Sheets followed suit, forcing the game into extra innings. Machado’s .163 batting average with runners in scoring position this season marked a stark contrast to his career performance, raising questions about his recent struggles. Stammen, however, remained confident in Machado’s ability, vowing to place him in high-leverage situations throughout the season.#cincinnati_reds #manny_machado #san_diego_padres #petco_park #samad_taylor
Xander Bogaerts hits grand slam in 12th for Padres' first walk-off win SAN DIEGO -- Xander Bogaerts delivered a walk-off grand slam in the 12th inning, propelling the San Diego Padres to a 7-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday night at Petco Park. The win marked the Padres’ first walk-off triumph in nearly five years, ending a prolonged stretch of high-stakes games that had tested the team’s resilience. Bogaerts’ dramatic home run not only secured the win but also cemented his status as a clutch performer for the franchise, adding to his growing legacy as a key contributor to the team’s success. The game, which stretched into the 12th inning, was the longest at Petco Park since 2019, underscoring the intensity of the matchup. Bogaerts’ grand slam came after a strategic decision by the Rockies to walk Jackson Merrill and Manny Machado, opting to face the right-handed hitter with the bases loaded. The move was intended to avoid a potential threat, but it backfired spectacularly. Bogaerts, known for his power and ability to capitalize on high-pressure situations, turned on a fastball from Valente Bellozo, sending the ball soaring into the left-field seats. The blast not only ended the game but also marked the first walk-off grand slam in Padres history since Manny Machado’s iconic home run in August 2020, which had launched the “Slam Diego” moniker into the mainstream. The dramatic finish was preceded by a series of pivotal plays that kept the game alive. In the top of the 12th, Jake Cronenworth made a critical defensive stop to thwart a potential go-ahead run. The play began with a sharp ground ball hit by the Rockies’ Willi Castro, which Cronenworth fielded backhanded.#manny_machado #san_diego_padres #petco_park #colorado_rockies #xander_bogaerts
Padres' offense waking up just in time as torrid Pirates await The San Diego Padres are showing signs of improvement after a slow start to the 2026 season as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Pirates in a crucial three-game series. The Padres, who had struggled with an anemic offense entering the weekend, managed to secure their first series win of the year by defeating the Boston Red Sox in two consecutive games, including an 8-6 victory on Sunday. This marked a significant turnaround for the team, which had previously posted a major-league-worst .190 batting average and .553 OPS. The offensive resurgence was led by key players such as Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, and Jackson Merrill, who combined for eight of the Padres' 12 hits in the Sunday game. Machado hit his first home run of the season, helping the Padres score the most runs they had in a game that year. This was only the second time in nine games that San Diego managed to score more than three runs, signaling a potential turning point in their season. The Padres' offensive surge will be tested on Monday as they take on the Pirates, who have been dominant in recent weeks. The Pirates, riding a five-game winning streak, have shown explosive power at the plate, fueled by offseason acquisitions like Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn, as well as the strong performance of Oneil Cruz. The team has already hit 12 home runs in nine games, a stark contrast to their previous season. The Pirates' offensive firepower is further bolstered by the contributions of players like Nick Yorke, who stepped in after infielder Jared Triolo was placed on the 10-day injured list. Yorke delivered a walk-off hit in Saturday's game against the Orioles and added another hit on Sunday.#manny_machado #san_diego_padres #pittsburgh_pirates #jackson_merrill #xander_bogaerts
Manny Machado blasts media for skipping Dominican Republic’s WBC practice Manny Machado expressed frustration during a morning workout session, criticizing the media for skipping the Dominican Republic’s World Baseball Classic (WBC) practice. The veteran third baseman pointed to the empty stands where reporters typically gather during such sessions, stating, “Look around, no meetings, hardly anybody around. They don’t want to get up early, but they will roll up asking me questions later. Not a single person here. Don’t come sweating me later.” Machado argued that the absence of reporters during practice sessions deprives them of valuable insight into how teams prepare for games. He emphasized that this lack of coverage could lead to incomplete or inaccurate portrayals of a team’s strategies and efforts. The player acknowledged the few journalists who attended the early workout, suggesting they deserve priority access to interviews and postgame discussions due to their consistent presence during the tournament. The incident highlights the growing tension between athletes and media, particularly in high-stakes international competitions. Machado’s comments underscore the importance of on-site reporting in capturing the nuances of team preparation, which he believes are often overlooked when journalists opt for convenience over diligence. His remarks also reflect a broader critique of media habits, where the pursuit of timely stories sometimes overshadows the need for in-depth, real-time coverage. The Dominican Republic’s participation in the WBC has been a focal point of interest, with fans and analysts eager to see how the team adapts to the challenges of the tournament.#media #dominican_republic #world_baseball_classic #manny_machado #journalists
Dominican Republic Third Baseman Manny Machado Shines in World Baseball Classic Manny Machado, the 33-year-old third baseman for the San Diego Padres, has enjoyed a distinguished 14-year Major League Baseball career marked by impressive statistics and accolades. Through his time in the majors, Machado has compiled a .279/.338/.486 slash line with an OPS of .824, along with 369 home runs, 1,144 RBIs, and 113 stolen bases in 1,894 games. His achievements include seven All-Star selections, three Silver Slugger Awards, two Gold Gloves, and one Platinum Glove. This spring, Machado is representing the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, where the team has made a strong start in Pool D. The Dominican Republic has secured victories in its first two games, including a 12-1 mercy rule win over the Netherlands on Sunday. Machado has contributed significantly to the team’s success, going 3-for-6 at the plate with three walks and two runs scored in the tournament. His defensive skills have also been on full display, particularly during a standout performance against Nicaragua. Machado’s pregame demeanor has sparked some controversy. Before the Dominican Republic’s game against the Netherlands, he was seen in the dugout expressing frustration over the lack of media attention. “Look around, no meetings here, barely any people. They don’t want to wake up early but they’ll roll up asking me questions later. Not a single person here. Don’t come sweating me later,” he remarked. Fans have responded with mixed reactions, with some criticizing his attitude and others questioning his focus. The Dominican Republic will next face Israel on Monday at noon ET in Miami, with the game broadcast on FS1.#dominican_republic #world_baseball_classic #manny_machado #san_diego_padres #fs1
How many future Hall of Famers are playing in the 2026 WBC? The 2026 World Baseball Classic will feature a star-studded lineup of players who are already considered future Hall of Famers. Among them are some of the most decorated and accomplished athletes in the sport, including several who have already made their mark on the game. The tournament will serve as a showcase for these players, many of whom are in the final stages of their careers or have already reached the pinnacle of their profession. One of the most anticipated players is Clayton Kershaw, who will make his first appearance in the WBC after retiring from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, is expected to be a key figure for the United States team, though his role may be more symbolic than competitive. Similarly, Shohei Ohtani, who is not yet eligible for the Hall of Fame, will represent Japan. Ohtani, a two-time MVP and one of the most versatile players in baseball history, will focus on his baseball career with the Dodgers rather than pitching for Japan. Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees’ slugger, is another standout player set to compete in the WBC. Judge, who has already won two MVP awards, is considered a strong candidate for the Hall of Fame despite his relatively late start to his professional career. His ability to consistently deliver at the highest level has made him a fan favorite and a potential future inductee. Manny Machado, the Dominican Republic’s star third baseman, is also expected to play in the tournament. Machado, who has already accumulated over 60 career WAR, is on the verge of securing his place in the Hall of Fame. His impressive statistics, including over 2,000 hits and 369 home runs, make him a strong contender for induction.#world_baseball_classic #shohei_ohtani #aaron_judge #manny_machado #clayton_kershaw
