The San Diego Padres ended the New York Mets' seven-game winning streak with a thrilling 7-6 walk-off victory at Petco Park on July 28, 2025. Elías Díaz delivered the dramatic game-winning hit with a two-out single in the bottom of the ninth, bringing home Jose Iglesias and sending the Padres and their fans into a wild celebration.
The game was a rollercoaster from the start, punctuated by moments of brilliance and chaos. The Mets jumped ahead early, capitalizing on some standout performances, including Mark Vientos’ first career grand slam in the fifth inning, which gave New York a commanding 5-1 lead. Vientos’ grand slam came shortly after Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. robbed him of a two-run homer with a spectacular leaping catch, showcasing both teams’ offensive firepower and defensive prowess.
But the Padres were not ready to fold. In a furious bottom of the fifth inning, San Diego mounted a massive comeback, scoring five runs on seven hits and a walk. Key moments included Luis Arraez’s two-run homer that struck high off the right-field foul pole, followed by an emphatic bat flip, which seemed to ignite the Padres’ momentum. Jake Cronenworth’s two-out infield single, aided by a miscue from Mets reliever Huascar Brazobán who was late covering first base, extended the inning and allowed more runs to score. Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts also contributed crucial hits during the rally.
Defensively, Fernando Tatis Jr. continued to shine with another incredible catch in the sixth inning, robbing Mets’ Ronny Mauricio of a potential base hit, while the Mets’ bullpen struggled to contain the Padres’ offense. Mets reliever Gregory Soto, making a new team debut, was unable to close the game, ultimately blowing the save opportunity after Ronny Mauricio’s one-out home run in the ninth tied the game 6-6 off Padres closer Robert Suarez, who was aiming for his 31st save.
The final frame was a test of nerves. Jose Iglesias, a former Met now with the Padres, reached base on a bunt single when Soto’s throw went wide of shortstop Francisco Lindor, allowing Xander Bogaerts to advance to second. Iglesias then moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Cronenworth. Elías Díaz smashed the walk-off single to left-center field, delivering the winning run and culminating the Padres’ fifth walk-off win of the season. The Padres chased Díaz into shallow right field in celebration, underscoring the significance of the victory.
Padres starter Dylan Cease also made headlines during the game when he was hit in the back of the head by a hard one-hopper off Lindor's bat in the third inning but bravely finished his outing after being checked by trainers. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was ejected in the third inning amid the game’s intense atmosphere, which featured heated confrontations and umpire disputes, adding to the night’s drama.
This hard-fought victory moves the Padres to 58-49 on the season, keeping them in the thick of the NL West race, while the Mets fall to 62-45, ending their impressive winning streak. The Padres look to build momentum as they continue their push toward the playoffs, with Mets left-hander Sean Manaea, formerly of San Diego, slated to start their next game. The rivalry between these two clubs promises more intense battles as the season progresses.
Quotes from Mets manager Carlos Mendoza capture the mood: “It was a back-and-forth contest,” he said. “We had the lead, but credit to the Padres—they fought back hard. We’ll take this one on the chin and focus on bouncing back.” Meanwhile, Padres fans and players celebrated a classic comeback win that showcased resilience and clutch hitting at its finest.
This captivating contest will be remembered for its electric atmosphere, dramatic swings in momentum, and a walk-off finish that epitomizes baseball’s unpredictable excitement.
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