Machado, Padres split series with 8-3 handling of Pirates

Manny Machado drove in three runs, including a two-run homer in the first inning, to help the Padres get back on track Thursday afternoon with a big 8-3 win over the Pirates to split the four-game road series in Pittsburgh.

With an early 4-0 lead as he took the mound for the opening inning, Chris Paddack pitched his best game of the season, finishing with four strikeouts and a run allowed through five innings. The Padres will easily take that improvement after the Sheriff allowed five runs through his previous two outings. Tim Hill struck out two in his lone inning of work and Craig Stammen finished the games final three innings with a pair of K’s with only three hits allowed.

After a recent drop in offense, Trent Grisham and Jake Cronenworth both recorded a pair of hits on Thursday with the latter driving in a pair of runs. Eric Hosmer also finished two-of-five at the plate with two RBIs.

Through 14 games in 2021, the Padres are currently tied for second in the NL West with the Giants (8-4) at 2.5 games behind the Dodgers (11-2). They currently hold a +17 run differential, good for second in the division behind the Dodgers (+34) and fourth in the majors.

The Padres kick off a a three-game home stand against the Dodgers tonight at 7:10 p.m. Ryan Weathers will start his first contest in place of the injured Adrian Morejon and he’ll be facing 26-year old Walker Buehler (1-0, 1.50 ERA).