SAN DIEGO (AP) — Pinch-hitter Gavin Sheets’ tying homer kicked off the Padres’ four-run rally in the seventh inning, Jackson Merrill drove in four runs and San Diego beat the Atlanta Braves 7-4 Thursday on opening day.
Fernando Tatís Jr. had three hits, while Luis Arraez and Manny Machado added seventh-inning RBIs in a rematch of last season’s wild-card playoff series won by the Padres.
Ozzie Albies hit a two-run homer and drove in three runs for the Braves. Austin Riley also homered.
Chris Sale yielded three runs and six hits over five innings for Atlanta, striking out seven in his sixth opening day start. Last year’s Cy Young Award and pitching triple crown winner couldn’t pitch against San Diego in the playoffs due to back spasms.
Michael King couldn’t escape the third inning for the Padres, allowing three runs on four hits and four walks.
