Eduardo’s 3-run HR sinks Padres in fifth-straight loss

Arizona’s Robbie Ray (1-2) pitched a hitless five innings with four strikeouts and 3B Eduardo Escobar hit a three-run homer in the eighth to hand the Padres the series sweep and their fifth-straight loss in a 5-4 contest on Sunday afternoon.

After the D-backs’ DH Kole Calhoun got the scoring going in the third with a two-run shot, Eric Hosmer retaliated three innings later with his own two-run homer in the sixth. OF Josh Naylor, who was recently called back up this week, gave San Diego the lead with a base hit that brought home 1B Tommy Pham.

The Friars were able to push their lead to 4-2 in the top of the seventh when Pham grounded into a fielder’s choice toward SS Nick Ahmed but 3B Manny Machado was able to score on an errant throw. With only one out and two runners in scoring position, both IF Jake Cronenworth and Naylor were unable to bring anyone else home to extend their lead.

Eduardo’s game-winning home came late in the eighth inning with two outs on the board. It was just another example of the Padres’ bullpen struggling to finish games out.

Starter Garrett Richards went seven full innings, allowing six hits, two runs, and only striking out two. Emilio Pagan earned the loss tonight after pitching one inning, striking out teo, but allowing the game-winner.

The Padres start a four-game home-and-away series with the Texas Rangers where they’ll play the next two at Globe Life Field before heading home to Petco Park for the final two.