The Padres suffered a tough defeat at the hands of the Reds 2-1 on Wednesday night. San Diego entered the game knowing that the majority of their high-leverage relievers would be unavailable due to pitching so frequently lately. Nick Pivetta held up his end of the bargain, striking out 8 batters over 7 scoreless frames, thanks in part to Ramon Laureano robbing a potential game-tying homer in the 7th inning with an incredible catch at the wall. Pivetta providing depth was crucial for the Padres, who clung to a 1-run lead thanks to a solo homer from Fernando Tatis Jr. in the 5th inning.
Mike Shildt called upon Kyle Hart to protect the 1-run lead in the 8th inning, and recorded two outs while allowing TJ Friedl to reach base on a bunt single. Shildt then brought in Adrian Morejon with the hopes of notching a 4-out save. But Morejon allowed his inherited runner Friedl to score on an RBI-single to right field by Elly De La Cruz, where Friedl squeezed a hand onto home plate just in time to beat Fernando Tatis Jr.'s throw from right field. Miguel Andujar then delivered a pinch-hit go-ahead RBI-single to give the Reds their first lead of the game.
Gavin Sheets hit a leadoff double to begin the bottom of the 9th with the Padres trailing by one run, giving the Padres a great opportunity to tie the game. Jose Iglesias would pinch run for Sheets, and advanced to third base on a sac-fly from Jackson Merrill following a popout from Ramon Laureano. Bryce Johnson pinch-hit with 2 outs and Iglesias just 90 feet away, but Tony Santillan struck him out to end the game and win the series for the Reds. The Padres will begin a 4-game series against the Rockies on Thursday.
You can watch the Jamul Casino Resort Padres Postgame Show below, with full highlights from the game and Mike Shildt's postgame press conference.