Padres win finale 5-1 to split a massive series vs. Arizona
Padres
On Thursday, the Padres (59-56) and Arizona Diamondbacks (61-54) played the fourth and final game of this crucial series in Phoenix. San Diego comes into Thursday’s game dropping two of the first three games of the set, seeking a series split.
Walker Buehler started on for the Padres. In Buehler’s last start against San Francisco on Saturday, the righty allowed three earned runs on eight hits, going just 4 1/3 innings.
The big 6’5” left-handed Kohl Drake did the starting duties for the D-Backs. The rookie has a 4.85 ERA through 13 innings in 2026.
Sheets back in the starting lineup
Gavin Sheets makes his first start of the series, managing with plantar fasciitis in his right foot.
How we’re lining up. pic.twitter.com/JEzaIybMmp
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 6, 2026
San Diego scores first
Fernando Tatis Jr. led off the game with a double. Manny Machado grounded into a double play as Tatis. Jr comes in to score the first run of the game.
Manny Machado puts the #Padres on the board in the first inning#forthefaithful pic.twitter.com/YPvxxBQqhT
— Padres Highlights (@FriarHighlights) August 7, 2026
Geraldo Perdomo has trouble with a would-be double play ball; instead, the only out comes at first. Jake Cronenworth scored to put the Padres up 2-0.
2nd RBI of the game for Manny Machado #padres up 2-0 over the DBacks #forthefaithful pic.twitter.com/xTX3YaAdGQ
— Padres Highlights (@FriarHighlights) August 7, 2026
Ty France is out on a sacrifice fly to right field as Tatis Jr. runs in to score his second run of the game, and the Padres’ third.
Ty France’s sacrifice fly adds another #Padres run, and it’s 3-0 San Diego over the Diamondbacks#forthefaithful pic.twitter.com/Znp7dKvZCo
— Padres Highlights (@FriarHighlights) August 7, 2026
Two-out rally for the Snakes
In the third inning with two outs, Corbin Carroll doubled on a grounder through the left side of the infield’s shift. Carroll scored the next batter on a Gabriel Moreno single. Two more two-out singles by Ketel Marte and Lars Nootbaar posed a threat for the Padres. Bases loaded for Nolan Arenado, and Buehler would get Arenado to fly out to center to eliminate the D-Backs chances at runs for the frame.
Buehler gets the job done.
Walker Buehler’s day ended after just four innings. After the lopsided game on Wednesday, Buehler’s seemed to be short as the bullpen’s best arms were fresh and available. Buehler allowed just an earned run on six hits, walking one man and striking out three. The outing lasted just 76 pitches, with 47 of them coming for strikes.
In the third inning with two outs, Corbin Carroll doubled on a grounder through the left side of the infield’s shift. Carroll scored the next batter on a Gabriel Moreno single. Two more two-out singles by Ketel Marte and Lars Nootbaar caused a threat for the Padres.
Padres add on
Freddy Fermin knocks in his 16th run of the year to extend the Padres’ lead.
Freddy Fermin adds a big #Padres insurance run with an RBI single
The Ferminator delivers
4-1 San Diego over the DBacks#forthefaithful pic.twitter.com/w7sfhJ1ddL— Padres Highlights (@FriarHighlights) August 7, 2026
Jackson Merrill‘s second hit of the night drove in Machado for the Padres’ fifth run of the game.
Jackson Merrill with an RBI single and it’s 5-1 #padres over the DBacks#forthefaithful pic.twitter.com/ZAgalCr3N4
— Padres Highlights (@FriarHighlights) August 7, 2026
Bullpen locks it down
The bullpen pitched five scoreless innings to close out the game. Bradgley Rodriguez went a huge two innings for the team. It was Jeremiah Estrada, Adrian Morejon, and Mason Miller who filled out the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings. Estrada, Morejon, and Miller struck out a combined six batters.
Recap
San Diego’s Bradgley Rodriguez received his third win of the year.
Rookie Kohl Drake and his three earned runs allowed received his first career loss.
The Padres win their 60th game and advance to 60-56.
Arizona drops a crucial divisional game and drop to 61-55.
The Padres edge a game closer in the National League Wild Card standings and sit 1.0 game back behind the D-Backs for the final Wild Card spot.
Back at Petco on Friday
The Padres welcome the Houston Astros to Petco Park for a three-game series starting on Friday night. Newly acquired Robbie Ray will make his Padres debut. Ronel Blanco will start the game for Houston. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM PT.
Angel grew up a San Diego sports fan, following the Padres, SDSU athletics, San Diego FC, as well as the Chargers. He is currently a third year community college student, and will transfer to SDSU to pursue a career in Journalism.