Padres late-inning rally: Rengifo’s clutch homer sinks the Fish

Both the San Diego Padres and Miami Marlins are trying to hit the reset button for the second half of the 2026 season. Neither team is playing good baseball. Despite the poor play, this weekend series is vital for the Padres and Marlins to remain in the wildcard chase.

Friday’s Results

With the game tied at two, Friars pinch-hitter Luis Rengifo hit a game-winning two-run home run that propelled the team to a 4-2 victory over the Marlins. The loss extended the home team’s losing streak to 10 games, as they are on the verge of tying the franchise record of 11 games. It has been done three times, with the last occurring in June 2011. 

Miami’s two runs came on solo home runs by Joe Mack and Heriberto Hernandez. The Padres’ other two runs came on an RBI single by Manny Machado in the fifth inning and a sacrifice fly by Jackson Merrill in the fourth inning. 

Taking the mound: Randy Vasquez (SD) vs Eury Perez (MIA)

Randy Vasquez will be the opener for today’s game. But no complaints from the Friar Faithful about the results from JP Sears (2-3, 4.38 ERA) with the Padres in 2026. He has been steady in his five starts after being called up in late June. The lone negative is that Sears only averages five innings per start, which is why he is the bulk pitcher this afternoon. But Friars manager Craig Stammen will not complain, as Sears has kept the games close for the offense to do their late-inning magic.

The left-hander’s control has been outstanding, as he struck out 20 batters while giving up only eight walks. Opponents are hitting .242 against Sears; he has been excellent at generating weak contact with runners in scoring position. 

He may not be a hard-throwing starter, but Sears is an ideal back-end rotation option.

The Marlins have an elite starting rotation, as Eury Perez (5-7, 3.53 ERA) has been outstanding this season. He has anchored the rotation in the absence of Max Meyer and Sandy Alcantara’s inconsistencies. Perez has struck out 104 batters in 91.2 innings pitched, as he generates plenty of swing-and-misses in his starts. The 23-year-old has been dominant with his outstanding fastball (99-101 MPH), a devastating slider, and a sweeping changeup that keeps hitters guessing. 

In 17 starts, opposing teams are hitting .199 against him. And over his last seven starts, he has allowed two runs or fewer for a 1.14 ERA. Unfortunately, the Marlins offense has been non-existent when he is on the mound. 

Today’s Lineup