Padres Fall 3-2 to Marlins in a Game Decided by the Details

⚾ Early Innings: Pitchers Take Control

The game opened with both Sandy Alcantara and Dylan Cease setting the tone from the mound. Alcantara retired the first three Padres batters in order, striking out Manny Machado, while Cease showed poise despite issuing two walks in the bottom of the first.

The Marlins struck first with a sharp RBI single by Agustín Ramírez, driving in Xavier Edwards for a 1-0 Miami lead.

💥 Padres Respond in the Fourth

After going hitless through three innings, Luis Arraez got the Padres on the board with a single. Manny Machado followed with an RBI base hit, scoring Arraez and tying the game after a throwing error by catcher Nick Fortes. However, Gavin Sheets grounded into a double play to end the inning and stall the rally.

Score tied: 1-1

🧨 The Turning Point: Sánchez Goes Deep

In the bottom of the fifth, Javier Sanoja reached on an error by Machado, setting the stage for Jesús Sánchez, who launched his ninth home run of the season to right field. The two-run shot gave the Marlins a 3-1 lead and ultimately proved to be the difference.

🪓 Padres Rally in the Eighth but Fall Short

In the top of the eighth, Jackson Merrill led off with a double and was driven in by a pinch-hit RBI single from José Iglesias, trimming the deficit to 3-2. Fernando Tatis Jr. followed with a single, putting two on with two outs, but Luis Arraez lined out to center field to end the threat.

🔒 Ninth-Inning Shutdown

The Padres had no answers in the ninth. Machado, Sheets, and Bogaerts were retired in order. Miami’s defense held firm, and their bullpen finished the job after Alcantara exited.

📊 Final Score: Marlins 3 – Padres 2

The Marlins made the most of their offensive chances and leaned on their ace, while the Padres paid for defensive miscues and missed opportunities. Despite key hits from Machado and Iglesias, San Diego walks away from Miami with a frustrating one-run loss.