Padres Rally Past Twins 7-5 in San Diego Slugfest

The Padres took care of business at home, outlasting the Twins 7-5 in a back-and-forth affair that had more twists than a pretzel factory. San Diego's bats woke up when it mattered most, scratching across just enough runs to keep Minnesota's lineup at arm's length down the stretch.

Minnesota came to play, hanging five runs on the board and making the Friars work for every out. But in a game where both bullpens looked shakier than a paint mixer, it was the Padres who found the clutch hits when the game hung in the balance. The Twins showed they can scrap with anyone, but coming up two runs short on the road stings when you're battling for playoff positioning.

Credit San Diego for capitalizing on their opportunities and playing smart baseball in the late innings. The offense delivered when called upon, and while the pitching staff won't be framing this box score, they bent without fully breaking. Minnesota will rue the missed chances—five runs should be enough to steal one in most parks, but Petco wasn't feeling generous.

DarkHorse stayed off this one, and frankly, that restraint looks wise. Games this tight and unpredictable are exactly why we pick our spots carefully. On to the next.