A late-inning comeback fell short Sunday as the Orioles ended the Padres' seven-game win streak. The 8-6 defeat was the Padres’ second loss since the All-Star break.
The Orioles struck first with a huge third inning, scoring six runs and knocking Padres starter Randy Vasquez (5-8, 4.82 ERA) out of the game. Despite getting ahead of opposing hitters, Vasquez could not capitalize. The Orioles saw too many good pitches to hit while down in the count.
San Diego (57-51) finally came alive in the top of the fifth. A leadoff double by center fielder Jackson Merrill started the rally, followed by right fielder David Peralta reaching on an error. Back-to-back hits by shortstop Ha-Seong Kim and catcher Kyle Higashioka helped cut the lead in half 6-3.
The Padres continued to chip away in the top of the sixth. Designated hitter Xander Bogaerts took advantage of a hanging two-strike changeup, hitting a two-run home run (5) to cut the lead to 6-5. Bogaerts has his hitting streak up to eight games now.
Despite a rough start from Vasquez, relievers Enyel De Los Santos (1-2, 4.46 ERA) and Alek Jacob (0-0, 0.00 ERA) contained the Orioles lineup, giving the Padres a good chance for a comeback. Jacob and De Los Santos pitched two innings each and allowed zero runs.
In his first appearance of the season, Jacob was lights out. Location and changing eye levels helped Jacob finish his day with four strikeouts and one hit allowed.
Heading into the bottom of the eighth, the Padres failed to keep the game within one, as the Orioles added insurance runs to stretch their lead to 8-5.
San Diego refused to go down without a fight and some drama, getting their first two runners on base to lead off the top of the ninth. A bloop single by first baseman Luis Arraez loaded the bases with one out and the game-winning run at the plate. Left fielder Jurickson Profar grounded out but scored a run to cut the lead to 8-6, despite a controversial slide by pinch runner Tyler Wade on Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson. With two men on and two outs, second baseman Jake Cronenworth grounded out to end the game.
The Padres finish their nine-game road trip with a 7-2 record. They now sit 6.5 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West and currently hold the second Wild Card spot.
San Diego will come back home to face the Dodgers on Tuesday at 6:40 p.m.