Padres stun red sox with late rally, seventh loss in eight
Fenway Park witnessed a dramatic turnaround Sunday as the San Diego Padres erased a four-run deficit to defeat the Boston Red Sox 8-6, extending Boston’s woes with their seventh loss in their last eight games. The victory was fueled by a late surge and timely hitting, leaving Red Sox fans searching for answers.
Machado and bogaerts lead the charge
Jackson Merrill sparked the Padres’ comeback with three hits, culminating in a go-ahead solo home run in the eighth inning. But the offensive fireworks didn't stop there. Manny Machado delivered a crucial three-run blast in the fifth, while former Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts also contributed three hits, adding another layer of intrigue to the matchup.
The Red Sox initially seized control in the third inning, plating four runs. However, their lead proved fleeting. San Diego responded with three runs in the top of the fourth, a rally partially ignited by a questionable play from Machado, whose pickoff attempt went awry—perhaps not entirely unintentional—allowing runners to reach scoring position. Machado’s earlier home run added to the Padres’ advantage, pushing the score to 6-4.
Boston clawed their way back, tying the game in the seventh inning thanks to Masataka Yoshida’s two-run double. Yoshida, who had been struggling at the plate, had his third consecutive hit, a welcome sign for the Red Sox. Wilyer Abreu also provided offensive support for Boston, adding three hits of his own.
The Padres' pitching staff, initially shaky, settled in during the late innings. Starter Walker Buehler, making his return to the East Coast after a stint with the Dodgers and a portion of last season in Boston, was pulled early after a costly four-run third. Ranger Suárez's first start at Fenway Park also ended abruptly, lasting only into the fifth inning. Jeremiah Estrada earned the win with a masterful eighth inning, while Mason Miller secured the save.
Tyler Uberstine, making his major league debut for the Red Sox, suffered the loss, surrendering Merrill’s home run and struggling in his 2 2/3 innings of work. The Padres’ resilience and the Red Sox’s inability to close out the game underscored the contrasting fortunes of the two teams.
What's next?
The Padres now head to Pittsburgh for a three-game series against the Pirates, where RHP Germán Márquez (0-1) will face Pirates right-hander Bubba Chandler (0-0). Boston remains at Fenway, hosting the Milwaukee Brewers for three games, with Brayan Bello (0-1) scheduled to face fellow righty Brandon Woodruff (1-0) Monday night. The Red Sox face mounting pressure to break their losing streak, while the Padres look to continue their momentum.