Xander Bogaerts launched a three-run homer in the first inning and Randy Vásquez tossed six strong innings to lead the San Diego Padres to a 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night.
Manny Machado continued his hot streak, extending his hitting streak to 13 games with two hits and two walks. Brandon Lockridge tacked on a two-run single in the eighth to seal the victory as the Padres claimed the series, taking two of three from the Angels.
San Diego has won 10 of its last 14 games, staying within reach of the NL West-leading Dodgers.
Taylor Ward accounted for the Angels’ lone run with a solo homer in the second inning — his second long ball of the series — but Los Angeles has dropped 13 of its last 18 games.
Vásquez (3-3) delivered his third consecutive quality start, allowing just four hits, walking one, and striking out five. Three relievers followed with three hitless innings, helping stabilize a bullpen that had surrendered late leads in five of the previous six contests. Closer Robert Suarez bounced back with a perfect ninth after a rough outing Monday.
Angels starter Kyle Hendricks (1-5) recovered well after the first inning, holding the Padres scoreless over the subsequent five frames while allowing just five total hits.
Key Moment
After Luis Arraez and Machado singled to open the game, Bogaerts capped a lengthy nine-pitch battle by drilling a line-drive homer into the left-field seats. The veteran shortstop has two homers in his last five games after managing only one over his first 37 appearances.
Key Stat
Angels rookie Matthew Lugo doubled in the third inning, giving him four extra-base hits in his first 11 major league at-bats.
Up Next
Both clubs have Thursday off. On Friday, Stephen Kolek (2-0, 0.00 ERA) will return from a shutout to face the Mariners as the Padres open a series in San Diego. Jack Kochanowicz (2-5, 5.23 ERA) gets the start for the Angels when they begin a Freeway Series showdown with the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.
