Key facts
- The San Diego Padres defeated the Baltimore Orioles 9-3.
- Jackson Merrill and Samad Taylor hit two-run home runs in the first inning.
- Gavin Sheets, Rodolfo Durán, and Manny Machado also homered for the Padres.
- Orioles starter Trey Gibson allowed five walks and hit a batter.
- Padres pitcher Randy Vásquez earned the win, allowing two runs in five innings.
The San Diego Padres secured a decisive 9-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, powered by a potent offensive performance that included five home runs. The Padres established an early lead with two-run homers from Jackson Merrill and Samad Taylor in the first inning, quickly going up 4-0. Despite a solo home run from Baltimore's Pete Alonso in the bottom of the first, the Padres maintained control. Pitcher Randy Vásquez (6-4) held the Orioles to two runs over five innings, and San Diego extended its lead to 6-2 in the fifth. The Padres further padded their advantage in the late innings with solo shots from Gavin Sheets, Rodolfo Durán, and Manny Machado. Orioles starter Trey Gibson (1-2) struggled with control, issuing five walks and hitting a batter, before being removed in the fifth inning. The Orioles' offense managed only three runs, with eight of their ten hits coming with two outs in situations where they were 6 for 6 at the plate. The game concluded with ejections for Padres reliever Ron Marinaccio and manager Craig Stammen in the ninth inning after Marinaccio hit Gunnar Henderson with a pitch.