PEORIA, Ariz. — Michael King delivered strong pitching as the San Diego Padres defeated the Los Angeles Angels 7-3 on Wednesday at the Peoria Sports Complex, improving their spring record to 3-3. King’s impressive performance featured four strikeouts over 2⅔ innings, helping the Padres maintain control throughout the game.
Offensive Contributions Highlight Padres’ Scoring
Designated hitter Ty France played a key role by winning a challenge on a strike-three call and subsequently driving in two runs, extending the Padres’ lead to 4-1 in the sixth inning. Center fielder Jackson Merrill added his first hit of spring, a double, going 1-for-2 at the plate. Third baseman Manny Machado, shortstop Xander Bogaerts, and right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr.—all preparing for the World Baseball Classic—each spent six innings on the field. While Machado is still searching for his initial spring hit after going hitless in two at-bats and scoring a run, Bogaerts went 0-for-3, and Tatis registered a single in three plate appearances.
Left fielder Ramón Laureano was 1-for-2, contributing offensively, while pinch-hitter Romeo Sanabria hit a double during a three-run ninth inning rally and scored, adding to the Padres’ late surge. Bench player Mason McCoy went 2-for-2, including a two-run double, showcasing timely hitting as a substitute.
Pitching Staff Shows Depth and Control
Alongside King’s debut performance, right-hander Alek Jacob secured the final out of the third inning and struck out three of four batters faced. Right-handers Logan Gillaspie and Ty Adcock, as well as left-handers Kyle Hart and Jagger Haynes, each contributed a scoreless inning, with Gillaspie recording three strikeouts. The bullpen also saw a tougher moment as left-hander Omar Cruz surrendered home runs to Jo Adell and Omar Martinez in the seventh inning, allowing the Angels some runs.
Defensive Plays and Field Adjustments During Game
Prospect catcher Ethan Salas entered in the sixth inning and immediately displayed sharp awareness by earning an assist on a strikeout call after successfully challenging a ball call near the strike zone. Nick Castellanos, continuing his transition to first base, appeared as a defensive replacement but committed his first error of the spring on a throw following a line out. Meanwhile, Mason McCoy made an impressive spinning throw for an out after substituting for Bogaerts at shortstop to begin the seventh inning.
Upcoming Matchup and Player Readiness
Looking ahead, right-hander Nick Pivetta is scheduled to make his first spring start on Thursday at 12:05 p.m. against the Cincinnati Reds in Goodyear, Arizona. This game offers additional opportunities for players like Michael King and others to build momentum as the spring training progresses.
