The San Diego Padres secured a 3-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park on July 29, 2026, completing a two-game series sweep and extending their winning streak to five games.
All three Padres runs came in the fourth inning against Rockies rookie right-hander Gabriel Hughes.
Jackson Merrill drove in a run with a single, Luis Rengifo followed with a run-scoring groundout, and Gavin Sheets added a sacrifice fly.
Hughes allowed three runs on six hits over five innings, striking out two and walking one.
The Rockies got on the board in the seventh when Brett Sullivan hit an RBI single, but they left five runners in scoring position during the game.
Padres manager Craig Stammen praised his pitching staff, which used six pitchers to limit Colorado to six hits.
"Those guys did their job," said Stammen. "They pitched in their lanes, and they really did exceptional.
It wasn’t just that they pitched well, but they pitched very well, as good as they can pitch.
Pitch like that, we’re going to win a lot of ballgames."
Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth said the team's recent performance reflects their true identity after the fifth consecutive victory.
"I think how we’re playing right now is the true identity of this club," said Cronenworth.
Cronenworth also commented on potential roster improvements ahead of the trade deadline.
"A. J.
, I’m sure, is doing what A. J.
usually does and is on the phone 24/7," said Cronenworth. "But we’ve just got to continue to play good baseball and continue to do what we’re doing."
Padres pitcher Kyle Hart highlighted the balance between the offense and pitching during the winning streak.
"The offense, you (see) what they’ve done coming out of the break," said Hart. "It’s been pretty special.
I think what you saw today was the combination of the pitching side putting together a good game too.
Hopefully we can keep that going."
Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer reflected positively on Hughes' outing despite the fourth-inning trouble.
"I thought Gabe was good," said Schaeffer. "It’s a huge learning experience for a young pitcher."
Schaeffer emphasized that the young pitcher continues to progress.
"Gabe is doing a great job," said Schaeffer.
The victory moved San Diego to 1½ games behind the final National League wild-card spot.
Colorado dropped to 42-67 and returns home to face the Kansas City Royals on Friday.
