Padres Hold Off Rockies in 9-6 Victory

On September 14, 2025, the San Diego Padres defeated the Colorado Rockies 9-6 at PETCO Park, securing three wins in their four-game series. The Padres, now with a record of 81-68, remain in contention for a playoff spot, while the Rockies continue to struggle at the bottom of the NL West with a record of 41-109.

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The Padres established a commanding lead early in the game, scoring three runs in the first inning. Key contributions came from Fernando Tatís Jr. and Jake Cronenworth, who executed a successful small-ball strategy. Jackson Merrill further extended the lead with a three-run homer in the second inning, making the score 6-0. By the end of the third inning, the Padres had built a 7-0 advantage, capitalizing on Rockies starter Germán Márquez's struggles, who allowed seven runs (six earned) in just 2 1/3 innings.

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Despite the early deficit, the Rockies showed resilience. Mickey Moniak emerged as a standout player, going 4-for-4 with two home runs and five RBIs. He hit a solo home run in the fourth inning and followed up with a three-run shot in the sixth, narrowing the gap to 7-4. Ezequiel Tovar also contributed with an RBI double and a single, bringing the Rockies within one run at 7-6 by the seventh inning.

Merrill hits three-run homer as Padres outlast Moniak and Rockies

The Padres responded decisively in the eighth inning. After a double by Mason McCoy and a single from Tatís, Gavin Sheets hit a ground-rule double, extending the Padres' lead to 9-6. This insurance run proved crucial as the Rockies failed to score in the ninth, with three batters struck out by Padres closer Robert Suarez.

Padres hold off Rockies to win game, series

Interim Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer praised Moniak's performance, stating, "There's been a lot of great days for 'Mick' this year. He got us — not single-handedly, but pretty close — back into that ballgame." Schaeffer also expressed pride in the team's fight, noting, "This is a game we could’ve easily folded on... But the boys did not fold."

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Despite Moniak's impressive showing, the Rockies' overall performance remains a concern. They have lost 15 of their last 18 games, and Márquez's ongoing struggles have raised questions about his future with the team. Schaeffer acknowledged the challenges, stating, "Marquez continues to struggle... He’s not performing like one of the best pitchers in team history."

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The Rockies will have an off day before starting their final homestand against the Miami Marlins on September 16, 2025. Kyle Freeland is scheduled to pitch for Colorado, while the Padres will look to maintain their momentum as they head into a series against the New York Mets.

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