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Angels and Padres Split Series Defined by Late-Game Dramatics

Taylor Ward’s grand slam and Fernando Tatis Jr.’s walk-off highlight a series marked by bullpen struggles and momentum swings.

The San Diego Padres’ Manny Machado, right, scores on a wild pitch as Angels relief pitcher Ryan Zeferjahn drops the ball while covering home plate during the eighth inning on Tuesday night in San Diego. The Angels lost, 6-4. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The Angels’ Yoán Moncada, left, and Nolan Schanuel, far right, congratulate Taylor Ward after he hit a tiebreaking grand slam in the ninth inning of their game against the San Diego Padres on Monday night in San Diego. The Angels scored six runs in the ninth on just two hits to win, 9-5. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
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Angels slugger Taylor Ward, right, is congratulated by Yoan Moncada after hitting a grand slam during the ninth inning of Monday’s 9-5 victory over the Padres.

Overview

  • Taylor Ward’s ninth-inning grand slam powered the Angels to a 9-5 comeback victory in the series opener against the Padres.
  • Padres closer Robert Suarez, who entered with 18 consecutive saves, blew his first save of the season after walking four straight batters in the ninth inning.
  • Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a walk-off home run the following night, evening the series and showcasing his 10th homer of the season.
  • Angels starter Yusei Kikuchi delivered another quality start but remains winless through nine starts this season despite a 3.72 ERA.
  • The series underscores the volatility of bullpen performances and the game-changing impact of timely power hitting for both teams.