Wed Apr 02 03:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Padres Edge Braves 1-0 in Tight Matchup, Take 3-0 Series Lead
**SAN DIEGO, CA** – A seventh-inning pinch-hit single by Yuli Gurriel propelled the San Diego Padres to a 1-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, extending their series lead to 3-0. The win was secured thanks to an unusual ground-rule double by Jake Cronenworth, whose liner struck Braves reliever Aaron Bummer in the foot before rolling into the dugout. Bummer subsequently walked Xander Bogaerts before being replaced, setting the stage for Gurriel’s game-winning RBI single.
Cronenworth, who also hit a go-ahead homer in Friday’s win, was a key player in the Padres’ success. The team’s strong pitching performance was also crucial; starter Randy Vásquez allowed only four hits in six shutout innings, while Wandy Peralta earned the win with 1 1/3 innings of relief, and Adrian Morejon secured his first save. Braves starter Spencer Schwellenbach pitched equally well, giving up just one hit over six innings.
The game saw a late scare for the Padres as third baseman Manny Machado left the game in the fourth inning with right calf tightness. He was replaced by Jose Iglesias. Despite the injury, the Padres showcased strong defensive play, turning a crucial inning-ending double play in the fourth.
The series, a rematch of last year’s wild-card playoff, continues Sunday with a pitching matchup between AJ Smith-Shawver (Braves) and Nick Pivetta (Padres).
First Piper 