The San Diego Padres have transformed their offense, overcoming early deficits with increasing frequency. They will attempt to stretch their winning streak to seven games as they continue their three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday night.
On Friday, the Padres trailed 3-0 after three innings but rallied to secure a comeback victory, marking their 16th win in the last 20 games. Xander Bogaerts ignited the comeback with a two-run homer in the fourth inning off Gavin Williams.
“We were down early against their ace, but we stayed resilient,” Bogaerts said. “That homer sparked the team, and the rest of the lineup kept producing hits and getting on base.”
Fernando Tatis Jr. contributed a solo home run, while Luis Campusano drove in three runs, helping San Diego maintain the second wild-card spot in the National League. Notably, Tatis has recorded eight extra-base hits in his last ten games and has homered five times in nine contests.
Padres manager Craig Stammen highlighted Friday’s game as another example of the team’s ability to rally from early setbacks. “Lately, we’ve been able to come back after giving up runs. A big homer energizes us, and then we play strong baseball,” he explained.
With closer Mason Miller resting on Friday, Bradgley Rodriguez earned his first career save by retiring three consecutive batters in the ninth inning after Brayan Rocchio’s leadoff double.
Meanwhile, the Guardians have struggled, losing five of their last six games and 16 of 21 overall. “We’ve faced tough stretches before,” said Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt. “We just need to keep working. I thought our players competed well Friday and finished strong. Of course, scoring more runs is key, but I’m pleased with our effort.”
A positive for Cleveland has been rookie shortstop Angel Genao, who is batting .323 (10-for-31) with a home run in his first nine games since being recalled from Triple-A Columbus. Vogt praised Genao’s composure, noting, “He has a strong presence and doesn’t seem overwhelmed.”
Left-hander Joey Cantillo (8-7, 3.91 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Guardians on Saturday. Cantillo pitched one inning allowing one run in a recent 5-3 loss to the Chicago White Sox, a game shortened by a lengthy rain delay. The 26-year-old has amassed a 132-to-56 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 25 starts and 119 2/3 innings this season.
Cantillo will make his second career appearance against San Diego, having allowed three runs (one earned) in two innings of relief during a 7-0 loss on April 1, 2025. The Padres have yet to announce their starting pitcher for Saturday’s game.
