The Padres were just two outs away from escaping Sunday’s game with a 3-1 victory, but a bizarre defensive mistake completely changed the night.
With two outs in the ninth, Rays outfielder Jonny DeLuca sent a routine-looking fly ball toward left field. San Diego’s Samad Taylor tracked it down and appeared ready to make the final out, but crashed into the wall and lost the ball. Instead of ending the inning, the ball bounced over the fence for a shocking game-tying home run.
The drama continued into the 11th. After San Diego took a 4-3 lead, Xander Bogaerts couldn’t convert an opportunity at home plate, allowing Tampa Bay to tie the game again.
Moments later, Jorge Mateo delivered the walk-off hit.
The 5-4 loss completed a weekend sweep and dropped the Padres to 72-65, leaving their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
With San Diego and Arizona separated by only half a game, the NL wild-card race is becoming a thriller.
