Machado and Merrill both drive in 3 runs as Padres top Cardinals 7-4

Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Manny Machado homered and drove in three runs, rookie Jackson Merrill also had three RBIs and the San Diego Padres defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 7-4. Rookie starter Randy Vásquez went six innings for the win, allowing two runs and six hits. Machado hit a two-run homer in the first and an RBI double in the fifth. He also scored three times. Merrill, who launched a game-ending homer Sunday against the New York Mets, delivered a two-run single in the third and an RBI single in the fifth. The Padres are 25-8 since July 20, a .758 winning percentage. That ties them with Arizona for the best record in the majors during that span. San Diego is a game behind the Diamondbacks for the top National League wild card.