Watch: Manny Machado’s grand slam helps Padres crush Phillies

Manny Machado broke an almost month-long homerless streak with a grand slam that led the San Diego Padres to crush the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday.

Manny Machado ended his home run drought in spectacular fashion on Monday, slugging a jaw-dropping grand slam that helped the San Diego Padres rout the Philadelphia Phillies.

Machado hadn’t hit a homer since May 14, but notched his ninth career grand slam at Petco Park in a sixth inning that saw the Padres rack up seven runs and cruise to an 8-2 victory over the NL East-leading Phillies.

In what can only be described as a bit of irony, the slam was to right field—meaning that it went directly over the head of Bryce Harper, the man who Machado was jockeying with in the offseason as the two most prized free agents.

After Manny landed in San Diego with a ten-year, $300 million contract, Harper promptly signed with Philadelphia for 13 years and $330 million. But at least in the opening game of this series, it was the Padres who made the better deal.

The grand slam was Machado’s only hit on Monday night; he went 1-4 with a strikeout and a walk, and his average is now .251. But that one hit turned the Padres’ evening from a close game into a blowout—while Harper ended up 0-4 including a strikeout.

But Machado didn’t gloat after his showstopping moment. “it’s all about baseball and winning some games,” he said, according to MLB.com. “I know [Harper]’s having a good time over there. I’m happy here. Things happen for a reason.”

With the win, the San Diego Padres improve their record to 31-29. However, since the Los Angeles Dodgers also won last night, they didn’t gain any ground in the NL West standings.

Watch Manny Machado’s grand slam by playing the video below and see if the Padres can make it two in a row tonight, when Chris Paddack (4-3) takes the mound.

The Padres and Phillies meet again at 7:05 p.m. PT tonight. For continued coverage of the San Diego Padres 2019 season, follow Friars on Base.