2023 has been a tough season for the San Diego Padres, to say the least. Last season, they had an immense postseason run following a decent regular season. Against all odds and expectations, they made a charge all the way to the NLCS before getting knocked out. With many backing them to have a great season, the Padres have disappointed thus far.
However, most recently, their franchise star Manny Machado made an incredible defensive effort that left fans awestruck. The Padres’ superstar has had a somewhat underwhelming season thus far, but his recent play showed his dedication to winning.
Manny Machado makes a fantastic defensive play in the Padres’ latest win
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The Padres recently played the second game of their 3-game series against the Colorado Rockies. It was a close contest, but the San Diego-based team managed to squeeze in a much-needed victory. In the bottom of the 8th inning. Manny Machado made a fantastic defensive play. He ran into foul territory and caught a foul ball. The play was made even more exciting as the ball bobbed in and out of his hands a couple of times before he made the catch. B/R Walk Off shared a video of the play on Twitter.
WHAT A CATCH BY MANNY MACHADO 😱 @Padres pic.twitter.com/nqV2M9Uyrg
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) June 10, 2023
In the Tweet, they said, “WHAT A CATCH BY MANNY MACHADO @Padres”. This play helped the Padres as they closed out a tight 3-2 victory. With this play by Machado and the win, the Friers have won the series against the Rockies and are now looking to sweep them.
Read More: Manny Machado Puts His Massive $350 Million Deal to Good Use With a Major MLS Move
The reactions to the play have been mainly positive.
Some fans were left awestruck by Machado’s catch.
I grew up watching Mike Schmidt every night do amazing things…My kids get Manny….It’s a joy to watch that guy play baseball. https://t.co/0SoaMxbjG5
— Sean Patrick Hughes (@seanphughes99) June 11, 2023
Best 3rd basemen in the @MLB https://t.co/oYYA9uJtQG
— Conner Schenk (@cschenk6) June 10, 2023
Whoever is running at 3rd didn’t want to score here clearly lol
Great catch https://t.co/K0CRb2bUd9
— Julian Russell (@therealj_russ) June 10, 2023
Other fans lauded him for his determination.
El Ministro doing his thing 😎 https://t.co/shOQITKZ04
— Carlos (@carvajal_carlos) June 10, 2023
best 3RD BASEMAN EVER https://t.co/QsdnjCwkNl
— 🐏 (@RamsChamps10) June 10, 2023
— Adrian Vidrio (@savvv_12) June 10, 2023
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This play highlighted the team’s desperation to win games as they look to climb the NL West. But it has not been an easy ride, with Machado even hitting back at a reporter. Furthermore, earlier this year he warned fans of underestimating them.
Machado warned fans amidst bad offensive form
The Padres have struggled with their offense at times this season. In particular, they struggled during the early stages of the current MLB campaign. When asked about it in April, Manny Machado was happy having the bad offensive form early in the year. Furthermore, he warned fans that were criticizing the against getting on the bandwagon when their form returns. It will be interesting to see how the Padres play going forward.
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What do you think of the defensive play by San Diego Padres star Manny Machado? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
