Padres Defeat Nationals 8-1 as Gore Allows Eight Runs

The San Diego Padres defeated the Washington Nationals 8-1, highlighted by Xander Bogaerts' grand slam on the first pitch from Nationals starter MacKenzie Gore, who struggled with a career-high eight runs allowed in just 2 1/3 innings. Padres pitcher Nick Pivetta had a strong outing, allowing only one run over six innings and striking out five, continuing his dominance against the Nationals this season. Gore, despite an impressive All-Star Game performance earlier in the week, admitted he was 'just bad today,' failing to replicate his usual form and allowing multiple hits and two home runs. The Nationals have lost 10 of 12 games under interim manager Miguel Cairo, with the offense limited to six hits and a solo homer from Riley Adams. The game marked a challenging rematch for Gore against his former team, as he aims to improve after being acquired from the Padres in the 2022 Juan Soto trade. The Padres, with strong performances from players like Elias Díaz and Jake Cronenworth, have maintained momentum, winning five of their last seven games.