Xander Bogaerts Grand Slam Powers Padres to 8-1 Rout of Nationals

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025

Xander Bogaerts hit a grand slam in the first inning, Elias Díaz also homered and the San Diego Padres routed the Washington Nationals 8-1 on Sunday.

Bogaerts hit the first pitch he saw from MacKenzie Gore (4-9) into the seats in left for his sixth homer of the season and eighth career grand slam. Jake Cronenworth had an RBI double to make it 5-0 before the Nationals batted.

Padres starter Nick Pivetta (10-2) allowed one run in six innings while striking out five. Pivetta is 3-0 with a 0.57 ERA in his last five starts.

The Padres improved to 54-45, winning two of the three in the weekend series and five of their last seven.

Riley Adams homered in the fifth for Washington. The Nationals have lost 10 of 12 — going 2-7 under interim manager Miguel Cairo — to drop to 39-60.

Díaz lined a two-run shot to left in the third to end Gore’s outing. Gore tied his career high with eight runs allowed in a season-low 2 1/3 innings.

San Diego center fielder Jackson Merrill was scratched due to illness about a half-hour before the game.

Key Moment

Bogaerts’ grand slam provided San Diego an early cushion.

Key Stat

Pivetta, who was drafted by Washington in 2013 and dealt to Philadelphia two years later, is 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 13 innings against the Nationals this season.

Up Next

San Diego had yet to announce its pitching plans for Monday night at Miami. Washington RHP Jake Irvin (7-5, 4.58 ERA) was set to start Monday night against Cincinnati as the Nationals’ homestand continues.

In Summary

The San Diego Padres decisively defeated the Washington Nationals 8-1 in a Sunday afternoon MLB game. The Padres' offense was powered by a first-inning grand slam from Xander Bogaerts and a two-run homer by Elias Díaz, with Jake Cronenworth also contributing an RBI double. San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Pivetta delivered a strong performance, earning his tenth win by allowing only one run over six innings. The Nationals struggled, with starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore exiting early after surrendering eight runs. This victory secured the series win for the San Diego Padres, who continue to climb in the standings, while the Washington Nationals experienced another loss in their recent slump.

Related Links

• San Diego Padres News & Updates
• San Diego Padres Schedule & Scores
• Washington Nationals News & Updates
• Washington Nationals Schedule & Scores
• MLB News