Just a day after a low-effort, 1-run performance from the Padres offense, they were able to respond in a big way. The team got off to a hot start with a 5-run first inning that was highlighted by a grand slam from Gary Sanchez, who started at catcher. Manny Machado, Garrett Cooper, and Ben Gamel each had RBI doubles of their own that would make it a 10-0 game by the fifth inning. Michael Wacha would be solid in his return to action from the injured list to hold things down on the pitching side of things and help the Padres cross the finish line.

Here are three takeaways from the blowout win:

Michael Wacha shines in return from the IL

Perhaps the most pleasant surprise in the whole Padres pitching staff this season has been Michael Wacha. As he made his return from the injured list after over a month, he left his mark on the Oriole’s lineup. Wacha pitched the first 5 innings of the game and did not allow a run to score. He was able to strike out 5 batters along the way while allowing just 3 hits and 1 walk. He picked up his 9th win on the season to improve his record to a dazzling 9-2 and his ERA now sits at 2.68. Wacha’s performance this year along with Cy-Young candidate Blake Snell has been an area of major optimism for the Padres pitching, and hopefully, his return to the lineup will provide some much-needed support to a team that needs to continue to pile up wins.

Ben Gamel, who made his Padres debut in the game, expressed how it’s been to see Wacha work from up-close. He, along with the rest of the team, will certainly hope to “keep this thing rolling”, as Gamel stated.

Padres recent additions show out

It seemed as if everyone got involved in the fun for San Diego on Tuesday night, as multiple players across the lineup had RBI hits and runs scored. While the big names such as Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. had themselves nice days from the plate, other players such as recent additions Ben Gamel and Garrett Cooper also showed out. Gamel and Cooper each had RBI doubles that would provide some insurance for the Padres in the game and keep the ball rolling. Cooper, who had been off to a very slow start with his new team since being traded from the Marlins, will look to take Tuesday’s game as the beginning of a hot streak to help give the lineup some more support.

As for the pitching staff, Scott Barlow (another San Diego trade acquisition), had a nice performance as well. Barlow threw 2 innings of shutout baseball out of the bullpen to get the Padres through the 7th and 8th innings without any issues. Fans will be happy to see the team’s new players going out and do what they were brought in to do, and will hope to see more of the same tomorrow.

Flaherty gets knocked out of the game early

Jack Flaherty, the main piece traded for by the Orioles at the deadline, took the bump for Baltimore as they looked to clinch a series victory. The Padres proved that they had other intentions for him. As they immediately jumped on him for 5 runs in the first, it became clear that he would not be getting to see deep into the game. His lack of control cost him early, as a Jake Cronenworth RBI walk with the bases loaded would open the scoring and allow Gary Sanchez an opportunity to come to the plate. Sanchez would do the heavy damage as he blasted a grand slam to make the home crowd erupt as the team took a 5-0 lead. Flaherty would eventually be pulled from the game after 3 innings and 7 ER allowed. The Padres will be able to feel good about the game as they induced his worst start as an Oriole and forced a rubber match on Wednesday night.

The game will come as a big opportunity for San Diego to pick up a series win against a very competitive team and prove to the rest of the league that they have what it takes to keep making some noise down the stretch of the season.

First pitch is scheduled for 5:40 PST.