I need to give you a little background on why this game hit different for me. I grew up watching the Royals battle the Yankees for the American League pennant, and for years, the Yankees usually came out on top. The Padres have their own history with the Yankees too, you know what I mean. I moved to San Diego just after the '98 World Series… and I was already cheering for the Padres.
So on September 6th, with the Padres taking on the Yankees at Petco, I couldn't have been more thrilled with the three home runs, back to back to back, to kick off the game. Petco went crazy from the start.
Here's how it went: Tatis stepped in against Gerrit Cole, worked the count to 2-2, and turned a hanging breaking ball into a 371-foot shot to right field. Cronenworth followed and lined one just inside the left field foul pole. And Machado capped it off by sending one an estimated 416 feet to center. Three batters, three swings, three home runs, before the Yankees had recorded a single out. Perfect!
Petco erupted! Man, the Padres Faithful always bring it.
This was just a great game for the regular season, and right before we get going on the playoff run.
It is worth a look at what some Padres did that night.
Starting with Tatis. That home run pushed him into the 20/20 club, twenty home runs, twenty stolen bases, in the same season. That's the kind of number that tells you a player isn't just hitting for power, he's a genuine all-around threat every time he's on base or at the plate. And he's been doing all of this while bouncing between right field and second base, playing wherever the team has needed him.
Then there's Machado. Quietly, steadily, turning around a rough season, and this home run put him at 26 for the year. We need him to be rolling for this push to the playoffs and into the playoffs. The Padres Faithful are behind Manny, and I believe he'll be strong the rest of the season.
And Cronenworth, sneaking in there with the middle home run of the sequence, sent the ball to left field this time, not the Cronezone. It was beautifully hit to the opposite field. I am a huge fan of Cronenworth, he is versatile and a fun player to watch. He's just been solid, dependable.
Speaking of elite clubs, Merrill is one home run away from a 25/25 season himself. Put him next to Tatis and you've got two guys chasing rare milestones in the same season, on the same roster, at the same time. That's a great combo in mid-September
With the playoff race tightening up, watching this many players hit their stride at once is exactly the kind of thing that gets a fan base fired up heading into the real games that matter.
This is exactly the kind of night I live for as a fan.
What's your favorite play so far, from the Padres this season?