PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MAY 03: Jake Cronenworth #9 of the San Diego Padres celebrates with Manny Machado #13 after hitting a one run home run during the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on May 03, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Perhaps they buoyed by the specter of a trade for batting champ Luis Arraez. Perhaps they just liked getting out of Petco Park and into a more hitter-friendly environment. Whatever it is, the Padres road trip got off to a fabulous start with a 7-1 blowout win over the Diamondbacks in Phoenix on Friday night.
Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jake Cronenworth hit back-to-back homers in the 4th inning and Manny Machado added a 2-run shot an inning later to highlight a 12-hit attack, seven of them going for extra bases. Cronenworth added a pair of doubles to give starting pitcher Dylan Cease a massive cushion that he enjoyed but didn't really need.
The right-hander was fantastic over 6.2 innings, allowing just one run on three hits and tying his season high with eight strikeouts and no walks. After suffering through a 5-game losing streak the Padres have won three straight and are just a game under .500 again. They can even their record on Saturday evening with Michael King on the mound against Brandon Pfaadt at Chase Field.
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