Yankees Defeat Padres 5-1 Behind Early Offense and Strong Bullpen
- Spencer Jones delivered a two-out RBI double against his hometown team to jumpstart a four-run second inning, carrying the New York Yankees to a 5-1 victory over the...
- In the top of the second inning, Jones drove in Ben Rice with a double to right field.
- The Yankees left chances on the table later in the contest, stranding the bases loaded in the sixth inning after pinch-hitter Luis García Jr.
Spencer Jones delivered a two-out RBI double against his hometown team to jumpstart a four-run second inning, carrying the New York Yankees to a 5-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Sept. 5, 2026, at Petco Park. The win evened the interleague series at one game apiece before an announced crowd of 40,946.
Jones Sparks Second-Inning Surge at Petco Park
The visitors did all their heavy lifting early.
Early Offense Powers New York to Five-Run Lead
In the top of the second inning, Jones drove in Ben Rice with a double to right field. Paul Goldschmidt followed by drawing a bases-loaded walk to bring home Jones. Cody Bellinger then singled to right field, plating both Juan Caballero and Austin Wells to cap the frame.
New York tacked on another run in the third. George Lombard Jr. hit a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Rice.
The Yankees left chances on the table later in the contest, stranding the bases loaded in the sixth inning after pinch-hitter Luis García Jr. struck out looking.
Rodón Dominates Through Five Innings
Carlos Rodón earned the win to improve his record to 5-3. The left-hander threw five frames, surrendering just two hits and one earned run across 89 pitches while striking out seven batters and walking three.
Padres starter Robbie Ray absorbed the loss, dropping to 11-8. Ray lasted only 2.1 innings, tagged for five hits and five earned runs.
Machado Provides Padres’ Sole Bright Spot
San Diego’s lone run materialized in the fourth. Manny Machado launched a solo home run to left-center field, a 391-foot shot marking his 25th long ball of the season.
Beyond that blast, the Padres mustered only three hits all night against Rodón and a relief corps.
Bullpen Preserves Comfortable Advantage
Following Rodón’s departure after the fifth, the Yankees turned to their bullpen to protect the four-run cushion.
Matt Fulmer, Brent Headrick, Colin Schreiber, and Tim Hill combined to shut down San Diego through the final frames, sealing the 5-1 final score.