Manny Machado's HR powered the Padres to a 4-3 win over the Marlins on July 21, 2025. See how the gritty victory keeps San Diego in the playoff hunt.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when we needed a lift, Manny Machado delivered. The Padres captain put the team on his back Monday night in Miami, slugging his 18th home run of the season to power the Friars to a tight 4-3 victory over the Marlins. It was a classic nail-biter, but a much-needed win that gets the team back on track and improves their record to a solid 54-45.
Manny Machado led the charge, going 2-for-4 with a home run, 2 RBI, and a run scored to secure the win.
While Machado's blast was the highlight, this was a true team effort at loanDepot park. The offense scraped together eight hits, manufacturing just enough runs to get the job done. After a quality start from the mound, the bullpen was lights-out, shutting the door on a potential Marlins rally and securing the one-run victory. Holding the Marlins to just seven hits shows the pitching staff was dialed in. This is the kind of gritty, hard-fought win that builds character and keeps a team in the thick of a playoff race, especially on the road.
The good news didn't stop with the final out. The Padres also announced the return of outfielder Gavin Sheets, who was reinstated from the paternity list after welcoming his first child. Congratulations to the Sheets family! To make room on the roster, catcher Luis Campusano was optioned to Triple-A El Paso. While it's tough to see Campusano go down, this move ensures he'll get consistent at-bats to stay sharp, while Sheets provides an immediate boost to the lineup's depth and power.
With the losing streak in the rearview mirror and Gavin Sheets back in the fold, the Padres look to build some serious momentum in Miami. This win keeps them in second place in the NL West and within striking distance of the top spot. Let's see if they can carry this energy into the next game and secure a series win. A strong road trip here could set the tone for the rest of the month.
