Padres win series over Nationals with Bogaerts grand slam

Xander Bogaerts delivered a first-inning grand slam, powering the San Diego Padres to an 8-1 victory over the Washington Nationals in the rubber game of their series. Padres pitcher Nick Pivetta pitched six strong innings, allowing just one run while striking out five, marking his 12th quality start of the year and improving his record to 10-2. Elias Diaz contributed with a two-run homer in the third inning, which led to Nationals starter MacKenzie Gore's early exit after a rough outing where he allowed eight runs in just over two innings. The Nationals' only run came from a solo home run by Riley Adams in the fifth inning, but Washington's offense was otherwise stifled, failing to capitalize on opportunities despite loading the bases in the seventh. San Diego's offense was fueled by multiple players including Jake Cronenworth and Manny Machado, who helped build an early lead that the Nationals could not overcome. This win marked the Padres' fifth victory in seven games while the Nationals have lost six of seven, falling further behind in their division standings.