Padres Snap Losing Streak, Defeat Braves 5-3 to Win Series

ATLANTA, Georgia — The San Diego Padres defeated the Atlanta Braves 5-3 on Sunday, securing a series victory in their three-game matchup. The win marked an end to the Padres’ six-game losing streak.

Manny Machado was instrumental in the game, hitting one of three home runs for San Diego. Gavin Sheets and Jake Cronenworth also homered, helping the Padres rebound after placing right-hander Dylan Cease on the 15-day disabled list due to shoulder inflammation.

Ronald Acuña Jr. contributed for the Braves with a double, a walk, and two strikeouts. The 2023 NL MVP was activated from the injured list Friday following a prolonged recovery from a torn ACL.

Despite showing promise, the Braves initially led 3-1 through the fifth inning. A critical moment arrived in the sixth when a fielding error by third baseman Austin Riley allowed Luis Arraez to reach base. Sheets then responded with a two-run homer off Spencer Schwellenbach to tie the game.

Cease, despite earning a no-decision, struck out eight batters in five innings. The Padres took the lead for good when Cronenworth hit a go-ahead homer in the seventh inning. Machado added insurance with another home run in the eighth.

Schwellenbach, who tallied 11 strikeouts, finished the game after allowing four runs, two of which were earned. Padres reliever Robert Suarez earned his 17th save, shutting down the Braves in the final inning.

The Padres will play a three-game series against the Miami Marlins starting Monday. The Braves will have a day off before facing the Philadelphia Phillies.