Truist Park – Atlanta

The Padres returned to Truist Park to play game two of their three-game series against the Atlanta Braves.

The Padres are fresh off a loss against a team they haven’t lost to since 2024. It felt like yet another case of a winnable game slipping right out of their fingers. It’s not like their offense hasn’t been producing like 2025. Their issues right now seem more involved.

Case in point, the Padres began a small two-out rally in the first, which culminated in Fernando Tatis Jr. scoring off a Ty France single.

It was a good start on the offensive side of things. However, pitching would prove to be a slightly different story.

Walker Buehler has suffered in the past few starts mainly due to the sheer number of bases on balls. Today’s outing was no different. Two walks turned into two runs following a triple by Braves Shortstop Jim Jarvis.

Despite the Padres’ recent success against the Braves, they possess a very strong offensive lineup and remain a very strong postseason contender. Monday’s game was a good reminder of that fact.

A Jackson Merrill home run in the fourth called the rally that would put the Padres back on top.

Jumbo Jackson. pic.twitter.com/UEUZKJ4yV0

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) July 22, 2026

Corresponding moves from Luis Rengifo and Tatis Jr. put the Padres at 4-2 over the Braves. Rengifo, despite his limited time with the club, is already proving to be a solid pickup for the Friars. His role comes at a good time with Miguel Andujar back on the IL.

Buehler continued to allow more walks, but outside of his minor hiccup, he made his adjustments, ending his night at 5 2/3rd innings pitched. Overall, a good bounce-back game for Buehler.

Meanwhile, Manny Machado went on to connect his 21st homer of the year, extending the Padres’ lead to 5-2. Despite some disastrous looks, Machado continues to be one of the Padres’ most successful sluggers in franchise history. He continued to prove his worth, connecting on yet another homer in the very next inning. That’s his third home run in two games.

Manny Machado’s so hot right now. pic.twitter.com/YhTnQbKMKd

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) July 22, 2026

The Braves would close the gap slightly, scoring on a balk from Bradgley Rodriguez after he loaded the bases. However, that was all they got in the seventh.

The Padres responded with a 474-foot two-run homer from Fernando Tatis Jr., bringing the game to its final score of 8-2. That’s the longest homer in Major League Baseball this season.

There are no-doubters, and then there are no-doubters. pic.twitter.com/jTjerdX6Uq

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) July 22, 2026

All scoring would end there, and the Padres took game two against the Braves with Mason Miller to close out the game for the Pads.

The rubber match between the two clubs begins Wednesday evening. On the mound for the Padres is Michael King (6-7, 3.34 ERA), while the Braves starter is yet to be determined.

Fabian Garcia