The San Diego Padres snagged a 5-0 win against the Chicago Cubs on Monday night, thanks to a two-run homer from Gary Sánchez and a combined four-hitter from Blake Snell and three relievers. The win allowed the Padres to split a four-game series with the Cubs. Padres third baseman Manny Machado, who returned from the injured list with a fractured left hand, made three hits, scored twice, and completed a sensational play. The Padres recently claimed Sánchez off waivers from the New York Mets, and he hit his third home run in seven games with the team. Padres manager Bob Melvin praised Sánchez for his impressive performance at the plate and behind the plate, and Sánchez himself attributed his success to having the opportunity to play every day. In the third inning, Machado made a breathtaking catch of Seiya Suzuki’s grounder, turning and throwing the ball to first base while still in mid-air. Plate umpire Phil Cuzzi ejected Cubs manager David Ross for engaging in an argument from the dugout during Sánchez’s at-bat.
The Padres’ Matt Carpenter and Ha-Seong Kim delivered consecutive doubles in the second inning, expanding the lead to 3-0. Machado doubled with two outs in the third and scored on a hit from Jake Cronenworth to increase the lead to 4-0. Carpenter hit a bases-loaded drive to the center field fence for a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning. Snell, who once played against Sánchez in the AL East, praised him for his performance at the plate and behind it. Despite allowing four runs and six hits in six innings, Kyle Hendricks had three pitch clock violations throughout the game.
Trent Grisham of the Padres was a late scratch due to lower back spasms, and Fernando Tatis Jr. moved from right to center, with Brandon Dixon taking over in right field. Xander Bogaerts of the Padres missed his second consecutive game due to a problematic left wrist, caused by being hit by a pitch from Atlanta’s Spencer Strider on April 18. Roughned Odor of the Cubs played second base and batted leadoff three nights after straining his left groin chasing a single.
Hayden Wesneski is scheduled to start Tuesday night for the Cubs as they take on the Los Angeles Angels, who will counter with Tyler Anderson. The Padres will face the Seattle Mariners with Joe Musgrove set to go on the mound, while Logan Gilbert will pitch for the Mariners.
