In a thrilling match on Friday, San Diego knuckleballer Matt Waldron stunned Atlanta’s bats for an impressive 5 2/3 innings and set a new career record with 10 strikeouts. This outstanding performance by the visiting Padres resulted in a 3-1 victory over the Braves. The win marked the end of the Padres’ three-game losing streak as they kicked off their four-game series against the Atlanta team, who suffered their second consecutive loss.
Waldron (2-5) exhibited great skill during his first career appearance against the Braves, allowing only one run on five hits and two walks. This impressive outing helped him to break his three-start losing streak. Following Waldron’s performance, Yuki Matsui and Enyel De Los Santos each claimed two outs before closer Robert Suarez took over in the eighth inning.
Suarez managed to strike out Michael Harris II, successfully ending any threat from the Atlanta team. The game concluded with Jeremiah Estrada striking out the side during the ninth inning, earning his first career save.
The San Diego attack featured a remarkable 13-hit performance led by Jake Cronenworth, who broke an 0-for-15 streak by ending the night with three hits. Atlanta starter Max Fried (3-2) had previously pitched seven no-hit innings but faced control issues against the Padres in this matchup. Fried was pulled from the game after throwing only 4 1/3 innings, having given up three runs on nine hits, with three walks and two strikeouts while using a total of 88 pitches.
Aaron Bummer (1 2/3 innings), Joe Jimenez (one inning), Jesse Chavez (one inning), and Raisel Iglesias (one inning) were all able to contribute to finishing the game without allowing any further runs.
San Diego’s Luis Arraez continued his impressive performance, reaching base for the 22nd straight game during the fifth inning with a single that marked his career-best streak. This opened up a three-run rally, featuring RBI singles from Jurickson Profar and Cronenworth, as well as a run-producing infield grounder from Manny Machado.
The Braves managed to score their only run of the game during the first inning. Ronald Acuna Jr., who was back in the lineup after being given his first day off this season on Wednesday, led off with a single. He advanced to third base on Ozzie Albies’ double and then scored when Matt Olson hit a one-out single.
Unfortunately, Atlanta’s catcher Travis d’Arnaud had to leave the game in the sixth inning due to feelings of dizziness. He was subsequently replaced by backup Chadwick Tromp.