Padres edge Athletics with late-game heroics and power hitting

In a tightly contested baseball game on April 7, 2025, the San Diego Padres triumphed over the Oakland Athletics in West Sacramento, California, with a narrow score of 5-4. The Padres' early offense was spearheaded by Jake Cronenworth, who hit a two-run homer in the top of the first inning, setting the tone for the game. Following this, Fernando Tatis Jr. secured a solo home run in the seventh inning, solidifying the Padres' lead. Throughout the game, Padres' pitcher Michael King managed to keep the opposition in check, allowing three runs and eight hits over 5 2/3 innings, while Robert Suarez closed the game flawlessly in the ninth for his fifth save of the season. The Padres showcased strong offensive performances beyond their home runs, with Manny Machado contributing two RBI doubles, emphasizing their ability to drive in runs from different situations. The Athletics attempted to respond with power hitting of their own, as Tyler Soderstrom hit solo home runs in the third and seventh innings. Soderstrom's performance highlighted his emerging status in the league, as his six home runs this season positioned him among the top hitters in Major League Baseball, tied with New York Yankees' superstar Aaron Judge. In addition to the impressive offensive displays, the game included significant moments where the Athletics made strides to close the gap. When Miguel Andujar and Jacob Wilson opened the bottom of the fourth with back-to-back singles, Andujar scored on a double by Max Muncy. Furthermore, Lawrence Butler’s infield single managed to drive in Wilson, bringing the Athletics within one run, trailing 4-3 at that point. It was a thrilling phase of the match, displaying the Athletics' resilience, but the Padres still managed to maintain their lead throughout. As the Padres continue their strong performance this season, holding the best record in baseball at 9-2 with a batting average of .282, they demonstrated their offensive depth and pitching strength that may well position them as serious contenders for the postseason. As they move forward, the team will be looking to sustain their impressive play against the Athletics, who are still seeking their first win at home this season after another close loss. The Padres are scheduled to pitch Dylan Cease in their upcoming game on April 8, while the Athletics will counter with Jeffrey Springs, setting the stage for what could be another exciting matchup in the series.