San Francisco – Oracle Park

The San Diego Padres began their away stand against the San Francisco Giants on Friday night at Oracle Park.

They’re fresh off a series sweep against the Washington Nationals and are officially back in the wild card race after spending a few days out of it. Right now, every series win is completely necessary if they want to stay in the game. A Padres win against a divisional rival like the Giants matters even more.

Robbie Ray is facing his old team for the first time since being traded from them at the 2026 Trade Deadline. A very fitting matchup. That said, Ray hasn’t quite lived up to his name with the Padres. In his six games as a Padre, he’s boasting a 6.06 FIP and 20 strikeouts over 28 2/3rds innings.

This was exemplified very well in the first inning. The Giants got off to an early lead against the Padres, putting them at an early deficit. Not necessarily anything new for the Friars, but not very comforting either.

However, the Padres immediately struck back. Dustin Harris got a base hit, allowing Jackson Merrill to score from second.

Harris is filling the void Luis Rengifo left after he went down for the season during the series against the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2026 in particular, these waiver pickups and free agent signings have proven helpful, making up the difference where their regular stars haven’t. As a Padre, Harris is slashing .321/.345/.357 in 12 games.

Freddy Fermin knocked Harris in on a line drive to left-center. Harris turned on the gas and scored from first.

Putting in work. pic.twitter.com/S84KvjxmKr

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) September 12, 2026

Ray calmed down after his early hiccup, and the Padres got the momentum going.

With two men in scoring position, Xander Bogaerts hit a double that hugged the left-field line, clearing the bases and putting the Padres ahead 5-1.

Esto está que arde 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/ZqTPs2G39t

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) September 12, 2026

Dustin Harris continued his hitting streak, hitting a triple to score Bogey.

In the end, the Padres scored five runs, making the game 7-1.

Opposing pitcher Anthony Molina finished his outing after three innings, seeing 20 Padres batters and throwing 72 pitches.

For a moment, it felt like the Padres coasted the next few innings. Unfortunately, bases on balls continue to haunt Ray as his season progresses.

Ray loaded the bases in the fifth inning. Of the men on base, two were from walks. Then, on a slider down and in, Rafael Devers hit a grand slam to make it 7-5.

The “max effort” pitcher Robbie Ray ended his night spinning five innings, surrendering five runs and striking out five men.

Giants pitcher Yunior Marte held down the Padres for five scoreless innings, giving them ample time to try and recuperate. However, the Padres sent out their star lefties, Yuki Matsui and Adrian Morejon, to shut things down.

Finally, Mason Miller entered in the ninth to close things out. However, it was a very messy inning. Despite the grand slam, the Padres survived.

With that, the Padres continue their series against the Giants Saturday morning. Michael King (10-9, 3.00 ERA) is on the mound for the Padres. For the Giants is Cesar Perdomo (0-0, 0.90 ERA).

Fabian Garcia