The Padres edged the Marlins 2-1 on July 21, 2025, with Robert Suarez earning his 29th save. See how timely hitting keeps San Diego winning close games.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Another day, another one-run game. If you're a Padres fan, you might want to check your blood pressure. The Friars once again embraced their high-wire act on Monday, scraping by the Miami Marlins 2-1 to kick off the series with a win. It's the story of their season: grinding out victories and keeping things just a little too interesting as they continue their pursuit of the Dodgers in the NL West.
The Padres have now played 56 games decided by two runs or fewer, the second-most in MLB.
The offense didn't need to be explosive on Monday; it just needed to be timely. All the damage came in a swift second-inning rally, sparked by an RBI single from Jackson Merrill and immediately followed by a run-scoring double from Martín Maldonado. That was all the support the pitching staff would need. Starter Randy Vásquez navigated 4.1 innings, surrendering just one run on a Kyle Stowers homer, before turning it over to the bullpen. Adrian Morejon picked up his eighth win, and the ever-reliable Robert Suarez slammed the door for his 29th save of the season.
With the series lead in hand, the Padres (55-45) look to make it three straight wins on Tuesday night. Right-hander Stephen Kolek (3-4, 4.24 ERA) will take the mound, aiming to provide some length and tame the Marlins lineup. He'll face Miami's Edward Cabrera (3-4, 3.61 ERA) in a matchup of pitchers with identical win-loss records. Every game is critical now, with the Padres sitting just 3.5 games behind the Dodgers for the division lead.
The on-field drama is matched only by the off-field speculation. With the trade deadline fast approaching, insiders like John Heyman and Robert Murray report the Padres are expected to be active buyers. While top-tier prospects like Ethan Salas are reportedly untouchable, the team's needs could be filled by leveraging other assets. Down in Double-A, players are making their case. Catcher/first baseman Romeo Sanabria is shaking off a June slump, hitting a scorching .327 in July, while infielder Francisco Acuña is flashing his speed and bat since returning from injury. These are the types of players who could either be promoted to help the big-league club or become key pieces in a trade package for a proven contributor.
As Stephen Kolek toes the rubber tonight, the pressure mounts on two fronts: winning the series against Miami and winning the trade deadline. Can the Padres keep up their nail-biting pace, and will the front office pull the trigger on a move that provides the breathing room this team desperately needs? The next week promises to be as thrilling as any ninth inning.
