Manny Machado hit a three-run homer in the second inning and added two singles to help the San Diego Padres defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 13-5 on Friday night.
“He’s definitely locked in,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said. “One thing about Manny, why he’s driven in over a 1,000 runs and been a proficient player in this league for a long time, he’s got such a balanced swing. It’s easy and fundamentally sound. It allows him to be able to handle everything.”
Machado is now tied with Adrian Gonzalez for second place on the Padres’ career homer list with 161, just two behind the leader Nate Colbert. In his last eight games, Machado has hit 13 for 34 with three home runs and nine RBIs.
“That’s huge,” Machado said. “Obviously, he’s a San Diego great and to be on that list in such a short period of time is awesome. To be on that same level is an honor for sure.”
The Padres, who are second in the National League wild-card standings, improved their record to 77-60.
San Diego scored eight runs against Rays starter Taj Bradley (6-9) in 2 1/3 innings. David Peralta hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning off reliever Erasmo Ramirez, and Xander Bogaerts added a solo shot to left field in the ninth inning.
Jurickson Profar reached base five times (with a single and four walks) and scored two runs. Donovan Solano had three RBIs.
“That’s how we’ve been all year — just pass the baton,” Machado said. “Pro getting on base early — working good counts, good at-bats — it leads to big innings.”
Yandy Diaz hit a two-run homer during the Rays’ four-run second inning. Taylor Walls added a two-RBI single to get the Rays on the board. Diaz left the game in the fourth inning with left knee patella tendonitis and was replaced by Jonathan Aranda.
