Manny Machado sends defiant message after David Ortiz declares Padres done

David Ortiz believes the Padres are finished. We don’t really blame him. But Manny Machado has heard that one before. After the Padres fell 0-2 in the NLDS against the Brewers, Ortiz essentially declared the series over. Machado was asked about those comments Monday, and the Padres unofficial team captain didn’t waste time manufacturing a personal feud.

“I don’t respond to anything,” Machado said, according to ESPN’s Alden González. “I just know that the group is. We’re ready for a fight to get to where we want to get to, to win the biggest trophy in our game.”

That is exactly the response needed. No whining about the disrespect. Machado acknowledged the difficult road in front of the Padres and made it clear that nobody inside their clubhouse is ready to concede. Now he just has to make those words matter.

Manny Machado gave the Padres their message for Game 3

Machado said the Padres have heard dismissive comments all year. He reminded everyone that this team has played with its back against the wall before. Then he delivered the line that will follow San Diego into Game 3.

“We’ve overcome it once, and we can do it again, and we’re going to do it again.”

Welp, Machado just put his name on the comeback attempt. Hey, we can appreciate the confidence without pretending the Padres are in a comfortable spot. They lost two one-run games in Milwaukee and watched their bullpen surrender both of them late. Now they must win three straight against a Brewers team that finished with baseball’s best record.

Ortiz has plenty of evidence on his side. Milwaukee needs one win. San Diego needs three.

The Padres still have every right to believe this series can turn because neither loss looked like they were overpowered or in a complete mismatch. They led Game 2 into the ninth inning. Their pitching repeatedly gave the offense opportunities. Ty France drove in all three of their runs.

The stars just didn’t provide enough. Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Xander Bogaerts and Jake Cronenworth combined to go hitless in Game 2. That can’t follow the Padres home.

Machado answered Ortiz, but he still has to answer Milwaukee

Machado’s response carries more weight than a routine postseason sound bite. He didn’t defend his teammates. He accepted responsibility for what comes next. He sounded like a captain. On October 6, he needs to play like one.

Ortiz may ultimately be right. An 0-2 deficit in a best-of-five series leaves no room for another mistake. But the Brewers haven’t eliminated the Padres yet. They still have to walk into Petco Park and collect the final 27 outs.

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