Padres Notes: Martin Perez Debuts, Manny Machado's Insights, Rocky Road

Aug 3, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Martin Perez (54) throws against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-USA TODAY Sports | David Frerker-USA TODAY Sports

Martin Perez's San Diego Padres debut was an unabashed success.

The veteran left-hander did exactly what he was acquired to do, tossing six innings and allowing one run in the Padres' 3-2 win over the Colorado Rockies. Perez didn't factor into the decision, as the Padres used two runs in the seventh inning to pull ahead late.

Manny Machado's Insight on This Year's Padres

San Diego Padres' third baseman Manny Machado shared his perspectives on why this year’s team feels notably different from previous lineups. He credits a unique team spirit and improved dynamics in the clubhouse for setting this season apart — particularly after a 2023 season of unmet expectations.

Rockies Pose Unexpected Challenges

The Colorado Rockies, currently the last-place team in the NL West, have ironically been causing significant difficulties for the Padres in their quest for the division title. It goes to show that no opponent should be underestimated — even Saturday's win required a late comeback — but it's an interesting dynamic in a competitive division.

Padres Video of the Day

Padres Tweets of the Day

A moment of silence at tonight’s #padres game for @PLNU athletic director Ethan Hamilton who passed away last month. His young son then threw out the 1st pitch. pic.twitter.com/ptIeqPvk29

— Allison Edmonds (@aedmondstv) August 4, 2024

Quality debut for Pérez 👏 pic.twitter.com/LjHxXy9HNG

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 4, 2024

Bogey breaks the tie! pic.twitter.com/aqI3OrH8up

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 4, 2024

Heck yes #padres pic.twitter.com/nsIs60NbV7

— Allison Edmonds (@aedmondstv) August 4, 2024

Tonight’s Padres game lasted 1 hour and 59 minutes.

It was the first 9-inning Padres game played in under 2 hours since June 12, 2012. That game in Houston was 1:58.

It was the first game under 2 hours at Petco Park since August 23, 2005. That game vs. Houston was 1:53.

— Sammy Levitt (@SammyLev) August 4, 2024