Padres Hold On to Beat Astros on Good All-Around Night

Padres Win 5-3

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Mike Clevinger gave up three runs over 4 1/3 innings pitched but left with a 4-3 lead Thursday against the Houston Astros at Petco Park. The Astros threatened in the top of the fifth off of reliever Tim Hill but didn't score. San Diego's bullpen held Houston scoreless over the final 4 2/3 innings to help the Padres hold on for a 5-3 win.

Clevinger's Solid Outing

Clevinger, making just his second start since returning from Tommy John surgery, allowed three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out seven. He threw 81 pitches, 49 for strikes. After allowing a leadoff double to Jose Altuve in the first, Clevinger retired the next 10 batters he faced. He ran into trouble in the fourth, giving up a leadoff single to Yordan Alvarez and walking Alex Bregman. Chas McCormick's RBI single scored Alvarez, and Jeremy Peña's RBI double scored Bregman to tie the game at 3-3.

Bullpen Steps Up

The Padres bullpen was outstanding, allowing just two hits and one walk over the final 4 2/3 innings. Tim Hill, Pierce Johnson, Adrian Morejon, and Taylor Rogers combined to retire 13 of the 14 batters they faced. Rogers picked up his 27th save of the season with a perfect ninth inning.

Offense Provides Early Runs

The Padres gave Clevinger an early lead with a three-run second inning off Astros starter Luis Garcia. With two outs, Juan Soto singled and Josh Bell walked. Brandon Drury followed with a two-run double to give San Diego a 2-0 lead. Ha-seong Kim's RBI single made it 3-0.

Machado Extends Hit Streak

Manny Machado extended his hitting streak to 14 games with a single in the fourth inning. He is now batting .325 with six home runs and 23 RBIs in that span.

Astros Miss Chance in Fifth

The Astros had a chance to tie the game in the fifth inning after McCormick singled and Peña walked with one out. However, Hill struck out Altuve and got Alvarez to ground out to end the inning.

Padres Win Series

With the win, the Padres took two of three in the series against the Astros. They are now 57-46 on the season and remain in second place in the NL West, two games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers.