The Padres and Mariners faced off on St. Patrick’s Day for San Diego's last Tuesday Cactus League matchup of 2026. It was a showdown between German Marquez for the Padres and Seattle's Luis Castillo.
Power Surge from Sheets and Bogaerts
In the second inning, Gavin Sheets and Xander Bogaerts delivered back-to-back homers. Sheets crushed a Castillo fastball at 111.3 mph, sending it over the bullpen for a solo shot. Bogaerts followed with a towering 431-foot blast to center field, hitting the batter’s eye.
Marquez Making His Case
With Joe Musgrove sidelined, German Marquez is seizing the opportunity to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster. Marquez struck out nine Mariners over five innings, allowing three earned runs on three hits.
His final pitch, a 97 mph fastball past Rob Refsnyder, was his fastest of the day. This outing could be a turning point for Marquez as Spring Training wraps up.
Padres Keep the Power Coming
Nick Castellanos added to the Padres' tally with a solo homer in the seventh, his third of the spring, off former Padre Andres Muñoz. This made it three solo shots for San Diego, bringing the score to 4-3 in favor of the Mariners.
Ty France and Jase Bowen kept the momentum going with two-run homers against Gunner Mayer. France's first homer of the spring, a 436-foot shot, reclaimed the lead for the Padres. Bowen's fourth homer of the spring, a 449-foot drive, showcased his potential as a non-roster invitee.
Rodolfo Durán continued his impressive spring with a two-run homer in the eighth, extending the Padres’ lead.
Waldron's Return
Matt Waldron returned to action after a break due to a non-baseball-related injury. In two innings, he struck out two and allowed an earned run. Waldron's knuckleball was effective, and his increased velocity on the fastball-topping at 95.1 mph-was noteworthy.
Closing the Deal
Adrian Morejon pitched the eighth, allowing three hits and an earned run while striking out one. He induced a crucial double play to end the inning. David Morgan closed the game in the ninth, despite allowing a run, securing a 9-6 victory for the Padres with a game-ending double play.
Looking Ahead
The Padres have a day off before continuing Cactus League play against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday at Peoria Stadium. The game will be broadcast on Padres.TV and 97.3 The Fan, with Jonathan Cannon starting for Chicago and San Diego’s starter yet to be announced.