May 30, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Robert Suarez (75) pumps his fist after the Padres beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
San Diego, California – The Padres took full advantage of a rare off day on Thursday, using the break to recharge before launching into a grueling stretch of 26 games in 27 days. For Luis Arraez, that meant a relaxing fishing trip—and on Friday night, he brought that same calm, focused energy to Petco Park, helping San Diego reel in a tightly contested 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Arraez, fresh off a productive day on the water, delivered at the plate when it mattered most. His sixth-inning double into the left-field corner tied the game and set up the go-ahead run as the Padres battled back from a brief deficit.
Nick Pivetta set the tone on the mound, striking out eight and walking none over six innings. He cruised through the first five, allowing just two hits and holding a 1-0 lead. In the sixth, Pittsburgh broke through with four singles, plating two runs and flipping the score. But Pivetta remained steady and avoided further damage, ultimately earning his first win in five starts.
The Padres had drawn first blood in the fourth, thanks to some veteran savvy from Manny Machado. After doubling with two outs, Machado advanced on a Jackson Merrill grounder to short and cleverly obstructed Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s view just enough to disrupt the play. The ball kicked off the glove and into shallow left field, allowing Machado to score and put San Diego ahead 1-0.
After falling behind in the sixth, San Diego’s offense quickly responded. Fernando Tatis Jr. drew a leadoff walk and was running on the pitch when Arraez shot a double down the line, easily scoring the tying run. Arraez advanced to third on a flyout from Machado, then came home on a ground ball to second by Merrill. The throw to the plate was slightly off target, and Arraez slid in headfirst to score what would be the winning run.
The Padres’ bullpen had to navigate some turbulence late. Jason Adam recorded two quick outs in the eighth but then gave up a double and two walks to load the bases. That prompted manager Mike Shildt to call on closer Robert Suarez for a rare four-out save.
Suarez entered and promptly fired a 3-2 pitch that froze Henry Davis—despite the pitch appearing low. The strikeout ended the inning and drew strong protests from the Pirates, resulting in the ejection of acting manager Don Kelly.
Suarez returned for the ninth and made quick work of Pittsburgh’s lineup, securing his league-leading 18th save of the season. The right-hander struck out three across his four-out appearance and preserved a win that kept momentum firmly in San Diego’s favor.
With the victory, the Padres extended their winning streak over the Pirates to 10 games. They’ll look to clinch the series on Saturday night when Dylan Cease takes the mound against Bailey Falter.
After a peaceful day off and a high-stress win, the Padres showed they’re ready for the road ahead—on the field, in the standings, and maybe even on the open water.
