The Padres' struggles continued, falling to the Orioles again today 7-5. This loss suffered by San Diego is their fourth straight, including three straight losses to Baltimore.
Starting pitcher Nestor Cortes got off to a poor start surrendering six runs in 2 1/3 innings. Baltimore scored seven runs in the first three innings and although they were held scoreless since, they held on to win. Padres stars Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. homered in the sixth and seventh innings respectively, but it would not be enough to make up their early deficit.
This losing streak could not have come at a worse time for San Diego who remain in the National League West title race. In addition to four straight losses, the team has lost six of their last seven games and are now three games back of the Los Angeles Dodgers. This will go down as a missed opportunity for the Padres, as Los Angeles is going through struggles of their own. Shohei Ohtani and company have fell in three of their last four with all three losses coming against non-playoff contenders, Arizona and Pittsburgh.
If it's any consolation for Padres supporters, their remaining strength of schedule is ranked the easiest in the league. San Diego will face the Colorado Rockies on the road this weekend before facing the Cincinnati Reds who remain in contention for a Wild Card spot.
With 22 games remaining for San Diego in the regular season, they'll need to play great baseball in order to pass Los Angeles and earn home-field advantage for the first round of the playoffs.