San Diego continued its winning surge on Sunday as the Padres rolled past the Minnesota Twins 8-1, completing a three‑game sweep that bolsters the club’s position in the National League wild‑card race. The victory marked the Padres’ 11th win in their last 14 games and the 21st win in a span of 28 contests.
Fernando Tatis Jr. leads the way
Fernando Tatis Jr. was the night’s standout performer, delivering two home runs and four RBIs. He opened the scoring in the third inning with a solo shot off Twins starter Bailey Ober, then added a second homer in the eighth off reliever Taylor Rogers. The power display brings Tatis’s season total to 17 homers, with 12 coming since the All‑Star break.
Beyond the long balls, Tatis contributed a two‑run single in the sixth inning that helped break a 1‑1 tie. After Luis Rengifo’s bases‑loaded, two‑run double gave San Diego a 3‑1 lead, Tatis’s single extended the margin to five runs.
Supporting performances
Rengifo’s clutch double was a key moment, delivering a tiebreaking two‑run hit with the bases loaded. Jackson Merrill added his 21st career homer in the seventh inning, providing additional insurance.
On the mound, veteran left‑hander Walker Buehler (8‑6) worked six solid innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out four and issuing no walks. His only blemish was a solo home run to Twins shortstop Brooks Lee in the fifth, which marked Lee’s first 20‑home‑run season.
Twins struggle to respond
The Twins entered the series tied with Texas for the American League’s third wild‑card spot, but the loss dropped them further behind the postseason cutoff. Their starting pitcher, Zebby Matthews (7‑8, 5.12 ERA), is slated to start the next game in Sacramento against the Oakland Athletics.
San Diego’s bullpen held the Twins to a single run, and the Padres’ offense capitalized on every opportunity. Reliever Kody Funderbunk (3‑2) took the loss for Minnesota, while San Diego’s Obert limited the Twins to one run over five innings.
Looking ahead
Next up, the Padres will host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night, with left‑hander Robbie Ray (11‑7, 3.20 ERA) slated to start. The Pirates will counter with right‑hander Braxton Ashcraft (13‑5, 3.68 ERA). Both clubs remain in pursuit of the wild‑card positions as the regular season enters its final stretch.
The Padres’ recent surge underscores a broader trend of West Coast teams contending for postseason spots, and Tatis’s offensive explosion highlights the impact of star players on a team’s fortunes.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
