Cronenworth’s Three-Run Homer Gives Padres Win Over Arizona

Padres End Eight-Game Slide

The Padres snapped an eight‑game losing streak on Tuesday, beating the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks 4‑1. That victory represents just the franchise’s second win in 11 games and pulls San Diego into a tie for second place in the NL West alongside Arizona. The Diamondbacks had won the series opener 8‑0 the night before, but could not repeat the offensive surge. The win also erased a recent slump that followed a rare triumph at Dodger Stadium.

Cronenworth’s Power Burst

Jake Cronenworth ignited the offense with a three‑run home run off Zac Gallen in the first inning. The blast, a 95‑mph four‑seam fastball that cleared the right‑field seats, drove in Gavin Sheets (who had walked) and Jackson Merrill (who singled after Fernando Tatis Jr.’s leadoff double). It was Cronenworth’s third home run of the season and his second since returning from the seven‑day concussion list on June 29. The powerful swing proved decisive as the Padres held on for a 4‑1 final despite Gallen’s later strikeouts of Xander Bogaerts and Manny Machado.

Pitching Battle and Milestones

Germán Márquez anchored the Padres’ rotation with a solid five‑inning outing, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out four and walking three. All‑Star reliever Mason Miller closed out the win with a perfect ninth inning, securing his 23rd save and tying for the NL lead. In contrast, Zac Gallen (3‑9) labored through six frames, surrendering four runs and six hits with five strikeouts and three walks. Jhony Brito, recalled from Triple‑A El Paso as he recovers from right‑elbow surgery, made his first major‑league appearance since August 2024 and promptly induced a double play from Nolan Arenado.

Next Up: Critical Matchup

Looking ahead, the two clubs will clash again Wednesday as Arizona’s José Cabrera (0‑1, 4.73 ERA) takes the mound against Padres right‑hander Michael King (5‑7, 3.52 ERA). The matchup is closely watched because both teams are now tied for second place in the division. A solid performance from either starter could shift momentum heading into the second half of the season. Fans can catch the action live as both bullpens look to stabilize after recent inconsistencies.