Machado Powers Padres Past Blue Jays 5-4

The Padres rallied late Sunday, with Manny Machado driving in the tying run and Ty France delivering a sacrifice fly that brought home the winner, as San Diego nipped Toronto 5‑4. The victory was just the fifth win in the last 16 games for San Diego, moving the club to a .500 record at 48‑48. Meanwhile, the defending American League champion Blue Jays fell to 45‑51 and will head into the All‑Star break with a losing track record.

Padres Snap Slump with Late Rally

After falling behind 4‑3 in the eighth, Machado delivered a third‑inning single that plated Xander Bogaerts. Bogaerts had opened the inning with a leadoff hit and a stolen base, later advancing on Gavin Sheets’ groundout before Machado followed with his own knock. The Padres’ breakthrough continued when Jase Bowen stole third and came home on France’s sac fly, giving San Diego the lead. Mason Miller, the team’s sole All‑Star reliever, closed out the win with eight pitches in the ninth for his 25th save.

Off the field, the game featured two notable ejections. Padres hitting coach Steven Souza Jr. was tossed by plate umpire Jen Pawol after a review challenge from Sung‑Mun Song was overruled; Song later drew a bases‑loaded walk that gave the Padres a 2‑1 edge in the second inning. Shortly after, Blue Jays manager John Schneider was called for a protest when Pawol’s balk call against Kevin Gausman brought in the eventual third run, sparking a brief bench‑clear incident.

Individual Highlights and Stats

Adrian Morejon earned the win with a solid outing, improving to a 7‑2 record. The Blue Jays’ offense was anchored by Nathan Lukes, whose leadoff homer on the sixth pitch of Germán Márquez marked his fifth home run of the season. Toronto’s All‑Star Clement also contributed, launching a two‑run shot into the left‑field warehouse in the fourth to knot the game at 3. Both teams used steals to shift momentum, with Bogaerts and Bowen each adding a base‑out for their clubs.

Reliever Mason Miller finished with eight pitches, preserving the lead for his 25th save and keeping San Diego’s postseason hopes alive. The Padres’ defensive play, especially Sheets’ groundout, was crucial in setting up the rally, while the Blue Jays’ inability to hold a three‑run lead highlighted a deeper struggle with consistency.

All‑Star Breakeven for Both Clubs

San Diego’s return to the .500 mark signals a turning point after a rough stretch, while the Blue Jays enter the break on a 12‑game losing skid over their last 16 games. The split of the series—each team winning two of three—leaves both sides looking for a reset before the All‑Star hiatus. Fans will watch as the Padres aim to build momentum in Kansas City, whereas the Blue Jays must address their midseason woes before the hiatus.

Next Game Schedule

Toronto heads north to take on the Chicago White Sox in a four‑game set beginning Friday. San Diego opens a road series Friday night in Kansas City, looking to continue its upward trajectory after the weekend clash.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb