The Padres took a trip down to Atlanta to take on the Braves in a four-game weekday series starting on Monday. San Diego (49-50) comes into Atlanta looking to keep the bats hot as they downed the Royals 19-2 on Sunday afternoon. The Braves (57-41) try to keep their winning ways going, as they just took two out of three from the Rangers to start the second half.

JP Sears started for San Diego. When Sears faced the Braves at home in June, he tossed 5 2/3 innings, allowing just two earned runs.

Bryce Elder took the mound for the Braves after a first half where he pitched to a 4.12 ERA, while ranking in the 83rd percentile in opponent barrel rate.

France moves up

After Ty France‘s two-home run game in Kansas City on Sunday, his bat gets bumped up to the cleanup spot.

First of four in Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/iyaPayo9Mv

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) July 20, 2026

Manny crushes #20

The Padres take the lead in the fourth with Manny Machado‘s 20th home run of 2026.

A man of the people. pic.twitter.com/1LFCvuhRrD

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) July 21, 2026

Harris II ties it

Michael Harris II hits a solo shot in the fifth to tie the game.

Michael Harris II ties the game ? pic.twitter.com/ClS2uKYbHx

— MLB (@MLB) July 21, 2026

Braves lead in fifth

Mauricio Dubon, who reached on catcher’s interference, scores on an RBI double by Joey Bart.

Run, Dubi, run!#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/t528DuF18d

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 21, 2026

Sears does his job

JP Sears was great in his five innings of work, minus the solo home run allowed to Michael Harris II. Sears did allow two runs, though only one run was earned. The lefty was efficient and effective throughout the duration of his outing, retiring the first 10 Braves he faced on Monday. Only 55 pitches were thrown in the five innings.

Ozzie adds on

Lefty killer, Ozzie Albies, takes lefty Wandy Peralta out of the yard to give the Braves another run.

Ozzie, we love him!#HyundaiHighlight pic.twitter.com/QyJd3PcVQj

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 21, 2026

Ty stays red hot

France, the Padres’ best bat cuts the Atlanta lead in half.

Ty France (15) CRUSHES ONE ?
100.3 mph · 397 ft · 31°
RHP Bryce Elder · 90 mph sinker

⚾ SD 2 – ATL 3 • Top 7th pic.twitter.com/J6CQLLZVym

— PlayPulse HRs (@PlayPulseHRs) July 21, 2026

Recap

All the Braves needed was three runs to win Monday’s game, even with a depleted bullpen from the weekend.

Bryce Elder, Atlanta’s starter, went six innings, allowing just two earned runs and recording his sixth win of the year.

San Diego’s JP Sears took his third loss of 2026 despite a strong effort against a great offensive team, as the Padres failed to give much run support.

Victor Mederos, who tossed 2 1/3 shutout innings, would get his first career save. In a game in which the Braves likely had arms like Didier Fuentes, Dylan Lee, and Raisel Iglesias unavailable, this felt like the ultimate chance for this offense to spark something.

Through 100 games in 2026, the Padres stand at 49-51.

In 99 games, the Braves improve the NL East-leading record to 58-41.

Tuesday in ATL

San Diego is giving the ball to Walker Buehler in game two of this four-game set. Buehler looks to bounce back big for the Padres as he threw to a 6.89 ERA in his last seven games. The Braves are sending Reynaldo Lopez and his 3.50 ERA to the mound. First pitch at Truist Park in Atlanta is scheduled for 4:15 PM PT/7:15 PM ET.

Angel Flores

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.