Padres Defeat Angels 5-1, Keep Pace in NL West

SAN DIEGO, California — The San Diego Padres secured a 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels Wednesday night. Randy Vásquez pitched six strong innings, allowing just four hits, while the Padres’ offense was led by a three-run homer from Xander Bogaerts in the first inning.

Bogaerts extended his hitting streak to 13 games with two hits and two walks. He capped off a nine-pitch at-bat by sending a liner into the left-field bleachers. The win marked the Padres’ second in three games against the Angels, as they aim to keep up with the division-leading Dodgers.

Vásquez improved his record to 3-3 after striking out five and walking only one. The Padres’ bullpen performed well, with three relievers contributing three hitless innings, reversing their recent struggles. Closer Josh Hader made a strong comeback from a rough outing earlier in the week by closing the game with a perfect ninth inning.

Angels’ Taylor Ward hit his second homer of the series in the second inning, following a dramatic grand slam from Monday’s game, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome. The Angels have now lost 13 of their last 18 games, struggling to find consistency.

The Padres’ success included a two-run single from Fernando Tatis Jr. in the eighth inning, further solidifying their lead. Both teams will take a break Thursday before the Padres host the Seattle Mariners on Friday.