Padres ride 4-run 7th in series win over Bucs to cap winning road trip
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PITTSBURGH -- Manny Machado received his first day off on Wednesday afternoon -- about five months earlier than his first day off last season.
There are layers to that. For one, Machado -- who deeply values the ability to play every game -- has been amenable to receiving more rest days this season. It’s not his preference. But the Padres think it’ll help him over the course of the summer and into October. Machado was at least willing to try it.
But here’s the other important part: On the days Machado rests, the Padres believe their bench is constructed in such a way where the drop-off won’t be so stark. At least, not as stark as it’s been in recent seasons.
On Wednesday, San Diego scored an 8-2 series-clinching victory over the Pirates at PNC Park to cap an impressive 4-2 road trip, which included a series win at Fenway Park. It was Miguel Andujar who replaced Machado at third base -- and he went 2-for-3, while sparking a four-run seventh-inning rally.
Michael King picked up the victory with six-plus solid innings in which he allowed two runs.