PHOENIX – Ryan O’Hearn delivered a pivotal moment for the San Diego Padres, hitting a game-tying home run in the ninth inning against left-handed pitcher Kyle Backhus. This crucial hit not only marked O’Hearn’s first significant contribution to his new team but also helped the Padres secure a 3-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, clinching the series.
After O’Hearn’s homer, Xander Bogaerts doubled, advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Jake Cronenworth, and then scored on a single from Jose Iglesias. Mason Miller, acquired during last week’s trade deadline, earned his first save with the Padres after striking out three batters in the bottom of the ninth.
Bogaerts praised the new additions, noting their immediate impact: “Guys that we’ve got, they’ve been helping us out already.” O’Hearn’s success was particularly timely as it kept Nestor Cortes, who made his first start for the Padres, from absorbing a loss despite a shaky outing. Cortes struggled, giving up runs in the first two innings before exiting in the fifth after issuing two walks.
This marked a concerning trend for the Padres, as Cortes became the fifth consecutive starter unable to pitch beyond five innings. Manager Mike Shildt acknowledged the need for starters to go deeper into games, emphasizing that relief depth should not always be relied upon.
Despite the rocky start for their pitching staff, the Padres rallied behind O’Hearn’s bat. Bogaerts hit a towering home run in the seventh to bring the score to 2-1, and the bullpen, featuring Jason Adam and Adrian Morejón, was effective, limiting the Diamondbacks to one hit through the final frames.
With this victory, the Padres are now just two games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West and have raised their offensive output to an average of five runs per game since the trade deadline. O’Hearn’s homer was significant not only for the individual player but also for the collective momentum of the team, which seeks to capitalize on recent trades and improve its standings as the season progresses.
O’Hearn expressed his relief and excitement following the game, stating, “I think you get traded to a new team and you want to instantly contribute and be a part of it. It took me a few games, but happy to do it tonight.”
The Padres displayed resilience as they continue to adapt and strengthen their roster, offering hope for a successful push as they head toward the postseason.