The fourth inning changed everything. San Diego scored five runs in one frame to break open a tight game and defeat Seattle 7-4 at T-Mobile Park.
Nick Castellanos delivered the decisive blow with a three-run homer to center field, capping a 1-for-3 night with 3 RBI. Walker Buehler earned the victory, allowing 2 runs over 5 innings with 6 strikeouts and carrying a 5.01 ERA.
The Padres built their lead methodically. Gavin Sheets opened the scoring in the second with a solo homer to right center. In the fourth, Machado scored on Miguel Andujar's fielder's choice grounder before Castellanos launched his three-run shot, scoring Bogaerts and Andujar to make it 5-0.
Seattle mounted a late charge but could not overcome the deficit. J.P. Crawford homered in the fifth, going 2-for-5 with 1 RBI. Logan Gilbert took the loss, allowing 7 runs over 6.2 innings. His ERA: 4.45.
San Diego improved to 26-18 while Seattle fell to 22-24. Gilbert sits one win away from 50 career victories.