The San Diego Padres return to Petco Park to continue their four-game series against the San Francisco Giants.

Friday night, the Padres rocked seven runs in a shutout victory against their division rivals. This was a nice bounce-back following their low-scoring loss against the Giants the day before. It was clear that even against a struggling team like the Giants, the Padres still have to play strong ball if they want to make it anywhere.

The first inning got off to a rough start with two back-to-back strikeouts from Giants pitcher Tyler Mahle. However, a string of hits from Manny Machado and Ty France put both men on base. Then Jackson Merrill knocked both of them in on a gapper to left-center field.

Very nice. pic.twitter.com/PfGJRwtQti

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 2, 2026

The Giants were held at bay until the third inning. A two-run shot from Osleivis Basabe tied the game up. This gave the Giants the strength to get a small rally going that ended in Walker Buehler walking in a run.

Both Tyler Mahle and Walker Buehler are having twin seasons right now. They’re experiencing a lot of jitters in their first year on new teams. A lot of long, hot, and cold stretches contributed to their high ERA and WHIPS.  While in the past both pitchers have had a lot of success, they’re figuring things out right now in their early 30’s seasons.

To continue this long line of similarities, Freddy Fermin crushed a two-run homer in the fourth inning, putting the Padres back on top.

Freddy, Set, Go! pic.twitter.com/MrAij5bjTs

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 2, 2026

Buehler exited in the fifth inning with two runners still on. Mahle survived a little longer but still left trailing.

Mahle didn’t survive much longer, leaving in the sixth inning. The Padres added on another run soon after, making the game 5-3.

Things did get dicey for the Padres as they got into the bullpen. A recently back from injury Jeremiah Estrada loaded the bases, only getting one out in the process. As a result, Mason Miller came in early for a five-out save.

Miller managed to get the first out quickly but allowed a hit that scored two of Estrada’s runners. That mistake tied the game up. This was Miller’s first blown save of the 2026 season.

Despite leaving it tied, the Padres couldn’t do anything offensively in their turn in the eighth.

That left Miller with the job of keeping things tied so they could walk things off. He did so with ease. Now, all that was left for the Padres lineup to make good on their end of the bargain.

Xander Bogaerts began the rally with a leadoff double. Fermin, who previously contributed some runs, laid down a bunt bid that moved Bogey to third base. Unfortunately, Gavin Sheets pinch hitting couldnt get the job done. With Fernando Tatis Jr. intentionally walked, Jake Cronenworth had to finish the game. After a very long pitching battle, Cronenworth landed a hit to shallow center field, winning the game.

Like a good neighbor, Rake Farm is there. pic.twitter.com/uR0iM2RxfB

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 2, 2026

The Padres and Giants return to Petco for their final game of four Sunday morning.

Probable pitchers for the series finale are Michael King (6-7, 3.38 ERA) and Landen Roupp (7-9, 4.12 ERA) for the Padres and Giants, respectively.

Fabian Garcia