James Wood haunts his former team with a HR & 4 RBIs as the Nationals beat the Padres 8-4 on June 24. A 7th-inning collapse sinks San Diego. Game recap.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a script no Padres fan wanted to read. On a cool Tuesday night at Petco Park, the architect of the team's undoing wasn't a familiar rival, but a familiar face in an unfamiliar uniform. Former top prospect James Wood returned to San Diego and single-handedly dismantled his old organization, powering the Washington Nationals to an 8-4 victory with a home run and four RBIs.
We have to execute better in big spots. Credit to Wood, he hurt us tonight.
For six innings, it was a tense, back-and-forth affair. Michael King was solid, striking out seven and keeping the Padres in the game. But the seventh inning proved to be a complete meltdown. The Nationals erupted for five runs, turning a tight game into a rout. The rally was fueled by Wood, whose clutch hitting left a sting. The Padres' bullpen, tasked with keeping the game close, simply couldn't find the outs, with Adrian Morejon bearing the brunt of the damage by surrendering four runs in a disastrous relief appearance.
Tuesday's collapse wasn't an isolated incident; it was a symptom of a growing problem. The bullpen's season ERA has now swelled to 4.38, a worrying trend for a team with playoff aspirations. The situation is compounded by the absence of closer Robert Suarez, who was placed on the restricted list while he appeals his three-game suspension. While the team recalled righty Alek Jacob from Triple-A El Paso for reinforcement, the lack of a reliable lockdown arm in high-leverage spots was painfully evident against the Nationals.
Despite the frustrating loss, there were glimmers of hope. Manny Machado continued his torrid month of June, launching his 15th home run of the season and finishing the night 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Hit machine Luis Arraez also chipped in with two more hits. Off the field, Fernando Tatis Jr. brought his signature energy to MLB Network's 'Intentional Talk,' assuring fans the team's focus remains sharp. 'We're grinding every day,' Tatis said. 'The energy in the clubhouse is great, and we're focused on making a run.'
Looking to the future, top prospect Jackson Merrill is making a compelling case for a promotion. He had another monster night for the El Paso Chihuahuas, going 3-for-5 with his 12th homer and three RBIs. With a .312 average and a .900 OPS in June, his bat could be an intriguing option for the big league club soon. And for fans needing a distraction, the team announced a 'Star Wars Night' for the upcoming homestand, a chance to bring some fun and #PadresForce to Petco Park.
The loss stings, especially with a former prospect delivering the key blows. The Padres have now dropped three of their last four, and the path forward is clear: the bullpen must stabilize, and fast. With the talent on this roster, the potential Tatis spoke of is undeniable. But potential doesn't win games—execution does. The Friars will look to even the series tomorrow, hoping to put this haunting loss behind them and prove their focus is indeed on making that run.
