Gavin Sheets continues to show why he belongs on the San Diego Padres.

The Padres used what’s worked all year for them (stellar pitching) combined with something fans haven’t seen in a while (long balls) to secure a 5-3 win over the Atlanta Braves.

The Padres struck early in the first after a Manny Machado double and a Jackson Merrill RBI-single gave the team the lead. Those two hits gave both players some much-needed offensive production in the midst of their slumps.

The Braves answered in the bottom of the second on an RBI-double by Ozzie Albies. Further damage was prevented on another outstanding outfield throw by Merrill to get Albies at third base, followed by a Michael Harris strikeout to end the inning.

Both teams put runners on after that, but couldn’t capitalize.

In the bottom of the 5th inning, the Braves finally broke through the stalemate. An Alex Verdugo single and an Albies double lead to a sacrifice fly and a wild pitch, giving the Braves a 3-1 lead.

The Padres responded the next inning on Gavin Sheets‘ 10th home run of the year, a two-run shot to right field, to tie the game. With his 10th of the year, Sheets has matched his total from each of the previous two seasons.

Sheets sent that one to the seats. pic.twitter.com/mYT5o4z1Q3

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) May 25, 2025

In the top of the seventh, Jake Cronenworth hit his fourth home run of the year. That broke the tie, giving the Padres a 4-3 lead.

Finally, Machado added an insurance home run in the 8th inning, securing a victory for the Friars. That homer was Machado’s fifth on the year and second this weekend.

Spencer Schwellenbach went seven innings, allowing four runs on seven hits with eleven strikeouts. Dylan Cease pitched five innings of a three-run ball on six hits with eight strikeouts. The Padres’ bullpen slammed the door with four perfect innings, securing the victory.

After this game is a flight home for a Memorial Day series against the Miami Marlins.

Loren Casuto

A Native San Diegan, Loren has spent his entire life not only as a fan but an active participant in San Diego’s sports world. In 2006 Loren joined two other die hard Charger fans to create Bolttalk, where Loren was a co-host and regular columnist from 2006 until the Chargers left in 2017. After that he started another podcast, The Grid Podshow, from 2020-2021 with his former co-host and colleague, speaking about the local sports community and popular culture.

When he’s not giving his opinion about San Diego sports, Loren is an adjunct professor at San Diego State and an attorney.