Padres fall 3-2 in series finale
San Diego lost the finale 3-2 to Pittsburgh despite 5 strikeouts from Robbie Ray, a result that leaves the club 71-61 and still holding a National League Wild Card spot as new owner Kwanza Jones was introduced on August 25.
Ray fans five, Padres fall 3-2
Pirates2-3Pittsburgh took the finale 3-2 at Petco Park on August 24. Robbie Ray went 5.1 innings, allowing 5 hits and 2 earned runs while walking 2 and striking out 5, but the bullpen and offense behind him could not hold the deficit.
The loss drops San Diego to 71-61 and 3-2 in its last five games. The club still sits third in the National League Wild Card field with an elimination number of 22, two games clear of Arizona for the final spot, with the Phillies (73-59) and Cubs (76-56) ahead of the group.
Kwanza Jones takes over
MLB Trade Rumors reported on August 17 that owners had approved the sale of the club to José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones, and the site's own coverage, "Kwanza Jones Introduced as New Padres Owner, Full of Energy," ran August 25 as the new co-owner made her first appearance with the club.
Barstool Sports weighed in the same morning, saying the new owner had "already created a dynasty" after one day on the job, while @StoolBaseball's Jordie quoted Jones declaring, "We're Gonna Win And Win It All." Barstool Sports separately called her "the most passionate owner in sports" after five minutes in charge.
Upcoming
The Padres host the Pirates tonight, with Michael King (8-9, 3.38 ERA) opposing Paul Skenes (9-11, 3.95 ERA). King's last start was a 6.2-inning, 2-run loss at the Mets on August 19, while Skenes lasted just 4.1 innings in a no-decision against Detroit the same day, allowing 3 earned runs on 4 walks. The rotation remains thin behind them, with Joe Musgrove set for his next rehab start at Triple-A El Paso on Thursday and Nick Pivetta resuming his rehab assignment at Single-A Lake Elsinore this week, both per The San Diego Union-Tribune.
San Diego is favored at home, and the market expects a low-scoring night, which lines up with King's recent form against Skenes' shakier last outing. For the total to hold, both bullpens likely need to hold a lead built on King's command rather than a Padres offense breaking the game open.