SAN DIEGO – Eric Hosmer hit a historic shot that made San Diego the first team in the majors to launch grand slams in four straight games, and the Padres needed an unearned run in the 10th inning for a wild, 8-7 win over the Texas Rangers on Thursday night.
The Padres swept the four-game, home-and-home series, with a slam in each one.
Hosmer’s go-ahead shot against Kyle Gibson with one out in the fifth inning bounced off the top of the right field wall and into the seats for a 5-2 lead. Austin Hedges, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Machado were aboard for Hosmer’s third career slam and fifth homer this season.
Earlier this week, Tatis, Machado and Wil Myers slammed the Rangers.
The Padres’ slams in three straight games had been the most in the big leagues since 2006 and the most in the NL the Cleveland Spiders did it in 1895 against the Boston Beaneaters.
San Diego’s bullpen had another shaky performance, allowing the Rangers to twice overcome deficits in the late innings. The Padres didn’t use reliever Drew Pomeranz even though rookie manager Jayce Tingler has said he is healthy.
With the score tied at 7 in the 10th and Myers on second, rookie Jake Cronenworth singled to center and fielder Scott Heineman bobbled the ball, allowing Myers to score.
The Padres also won in the 10th on Wednesday night on Machado’s walkoff grand slam.