Jurickson Profar hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning, leading the San Diego Padres to a 7-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night.
“Hard-fought, back-and-forth game,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said. “The guys did a really nice job of taking some really, really quality at-bats at the end of the game.”
Manny Machado also hit a home run as San Diego won its second straight game against Minnesota, both teams being playoff contenders. Jake Cronenworth had two hits and scored two runs.
“This team has been doing it all year and we are going to continue to do it,” Machado said about the comeback win. “We are just having a good time when we are playing.”
The Padres were down 5-3 before Profar hit a low slider from Steven Okert (3-2) to left field for his 20th homer. Donovan Solano and Luis Arraez had both singled before Profar’s big hit.
“That’s the number one thing that switched this year for me. I play baseball with my instincts. … You guys are seeing the real Profar playing baseball,” the switch-hitter said. “I play baseball with a lot of confidence right now.”
Xander Bogaerts added an RBI double against Ronny Henriquez, giving San Diego a 7-5 lead.
“Some nights it might not be pretty, but this year we have been able to find a way, for sure,” Bogaerts said. “What we have been doing is pretty remarkable.”
Tanner Scott (8-5) earned the win despite giving up two runs and four hits in the eighth inning. Robert Suarez closed the game with a scoreless ninth for his 29th save.
The Padres, who are on a hot streak, improved to 22-5 in their last 27 games. They have won nine of their last 10 series and nine of their past 10 home games.
“When we come home and play in front of this crowd it just gives us that extra motivation, that extra power that we need and strength,” Machado said. “It has been fun playing at home.”
Ryan Jeffers had two hits and two RBIs for Minnesota in its third consecutive loss. Carlos Santana also had two hits and scored two runs.
