A challenged pitch sparks chaos in the eighth
Manny Machado questioned the call on a 2-2 pitch in the bottom of the eighth inning. The ABS Challenge System reversed the decision, revealing the ball was outside by an inch. With the count now 3-2, Machado lined the next pitch into the right-center gap. Rockies right fielder Jake McCarthy had trouble handling the ball, allowing Jake Cronenworth to score from first. The teams were tied at 7-7 as a result. Machado advanced to second base on the play.
Later in the inning, Machado attempted to steal third but was tagged out. The Rockies voiced their concerns about the situation, but the umpires maintained their original judgment. As the game moved into the ninth inning, the Rockies tried to challenge the play once again. Their challenge was dismissed, preserving the Padres' momentum.
Mason Miller sets up the final chance
Mason Miller came in to pitch the top of the ninth inning. He quickly got Mickey Moniak, Hunter Goodman, and TJ Rumfield out, dispatching the Rockies' two, three, and four hitters. Colorado failed to mount a serious threat, and with the bases loaded, San Diego had a chance to win in dramatic fashion. The stage was set for the Padres' offense to deliver in the bottom half.
Xander Bogaerts stepped up to the plate and hit a sacrifice fly to center field. Jackson Merrill, who was waiting on third, tagged up and rounded the bases just in time to score the winning run. The Padres celebrated an 8-7 victory to start the series. The Rockies attempted to contest the play, arguing that Merrill left third base too early. But their objection was rejected, and the result stood.
King's six innings and Tatis' five-hit night
Michael King turned in a strong performance, pitching six innings and allowing four runs on six hits. One walk and six strikeouts highlighted his outing. Three of the runs he gave up came via home runs, but he remained in command for much of the game. Relief pitchers Bradgley Rodriguez and Adrian Morejon each added an inning, with Rodriguez allowing two runs and Morejon giving up one.
Fernando Tatis Jr. had a standout night, finishing 5-for-5 with two RBIs and a run scored. It was a rare five-hit game for the Padres' star. Manny Machado and Jackson Merrill each tallied three hits, while Luis Campusano added a pair. The victory marked the fourth straight win for San Diego, showing their offense's ability to deliver when it counts.
The Rockies' Jimmy Herget began the ninth by allowing a single to Merrill. He then threw a wild pitch, letting Merrill steal second base. A throwing error by Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman allowed the runner to advance to third with no outs. That error set the scene for the crucial moment in the game. Luis Rengifo and Sung-Mun Song walked, loading the bases and setting up Bogaerts for the walk-off opportunity.