Machado the man for bases-loaded moments as his 14th grand slam powers Padres past Mets

NEW YORK (AP) — With the bases loaded, the last man any opposing pitcher wants to see at the plate is Manny Machado.

The seven-time All-Star once again showed why Wednesday night.

Machado launched a tiebreaking grand slam off David Peterson in the fifth inning that sent the San Diego Padres to a 7-4 victory over the New York Mets in a pivotal matchup between postseason contenders.

“The one thing about Manny that I appreciate is just his calmness,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said. “Just not making the moment bigger than it is. You know, a lot of guys, hey, bases loaded — and try to do too much. Manny just knows who's in charge at that point, and it's the hitter. He just knows, I'm gonna stick a good at-bat. He put a nice, sweet stroke on it.”

Machado gave the Padres a 6-2 lead with his second grand slam this season and the 14th of his career — most among active players.

It was the first allowed by Peterson in 130 major league games.

“I was just trying to drive in one,” Machado said. “In that opportunity, it’s just trying to get one. Not try to do too much. You know, keep it simple. I think sometimes you can get into a habit of, you want to bring ’em in, you want to be the hero. But ultimately it’s just about just trying to get one run across.”

The win kept the Padres two games behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West with 10 to play. They lead the Mets by five games for the second of three National League wild cards.

New York remained 1 1/2 games ahead of Arizona for the final NL playoff berth. Cincinnati and San Francisco are both two games back.

“Felt like a playoff game," Shildt said.

The score was tied 2-all when San Diego loaded the bases with one out in the fifth.

After falling behind 0-2 in the count, Jake Cronenworth was hit by a 2-2 sinker from Peterson on the eighth pitch of his plate appearance. Cronenworth advanced on Elias Díaz's sacrifice bunt, and Fernando Tatis Jr. fought back from a 1-2 count to draw a seven-pitch walk.

Three-time batting champion Luis Arraez dropped down a bunt single to bring up Machado. He drove a full-count curveball over the left-center fence for his 26th homer this season and third in the last four games.

“We talk about this a lot: We love the homers. You know, small things lead to big things," Shildt said. "A lot of good, quality at-bats. Luis' bunt knock to get Manny up there, and Manny put a swing on for a big number.

“A lot of good situational at-bats. Just a really well-played game in all phases — honestly both sides of the ball, both clubs. But yeah, it was a really well-played baseball game on our part.”

Machado's grand slam provided enough cushion that a baserunning gaffe in the sixth didn't cost San Diego.

Díaz slowed up while approaching home plate and failed to score from second base on a single before Arraez was tagged out to end the inning. Arraez made an ill-advised attempt to stretch the hit into a double with Machado on deck.

“I just thought it was a base hit, so I'm going to score easily. That's why I slowed down at the end. I never thought he was going to try to get a double,” said Díaz, who took full responsibility. “You have to finish it — 100 percent.”

When he realized he didn't cross the plate in time, Díaz sheepishly put his hands on his head.

“We were glad it didn't turn out to be a pivotal run," Shildt said. “Kind of just took it for granted a little bit. But it's a good opportunity to continue to remind ourselves that until you touch home plate you haven't scored, before the play's over.”

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

San Diego Padres' Manny Machado runs the bases after hitting a grand slam during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

San Diego Padres' Manny Machado hits a grand slam during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

San Diego Padres' Manny Machado (13) and Luis Arraez (4) celebrate with teammates after a baseball game against the New York Mets Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

New York Mets pitcher David Peterson reacts as San Diego Padres' Manny Machado runs the bases after hitting a grand slam during the fifth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

San Diego Padres' Manny Machado gestures as he runs the bases after hitting a grand slam during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

KOHALA, Hawai‘i--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 15, 2026--

Kuleana Rum Works, the Hawai‘i-based distillery known for its additive-free, award-winning rums, today announced the release of “An Open Letter on Additive-Free Rum,” written by Founder & CEO Steve Jefferson, addressing why rum is now facing the same scrutiny and market shift that reshaped tequila a decade ago.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260107792953/en/

Consumers across spirits are demanding more honesty about how products are made. Additive-free labeling has already transformed tequila and is reshaping whiskey and RTDs. Drinkers now expect producers to protect natural flavor instead of masking it, and bartenders increasingly use transparency as a measure of quality. The letter positions rum as the next category entering this accountability cycle, as more consumers begin to question undisclosed sweeteners, flavorings and added color.

Tequila provides the clearest precedent. Producers who embraced additive-free methods helped premiumize the category, while brands relying on undisclosed additives now face growing skepticism. According to the letter, rum is approaching the same turning point. Jefferson explains that Kuleana Rum Works was founded on additive-free principles: growing heirloom Hawaiian kō (sugarcane), fermenting and distilling fresh juice at lower proof to preserve natural character, adding nothing after distillation and holding all blending partners to the same standards. Every rum — whether distilled in Hawai‘i or sourced — is verified additive-free through independent lab testing and supplier documentation.

“Consumer expectations are changing fast across spirits,” said Steve Jefferson, Founder and CEO of Kuleana Rum Works. “People want honesty in what they drink, and they’re rewarding producers who protect natural flavor rather than covering it up. Additive-free isn’t a trend — it’s becoming the standard, and rum is now facing that shift head-on.”

Additional detail in the letter underscores how production choices such as fresh juice fermentation, low-proof distillation and a strict no-additives policy create transparency and flavor integrity that align with what the market is valuing.

About Kuleana Rum Works

Founded on the island of Hawai‘i in 2013, Kuleana Rum Works crafts award-winning, additive-free rums — led by its signature Hawaiian Rum Agricole® — from fresh kō (heirloom Hawaiian sugarcane) grown on its regenerative Kohala farm. Now available in 17 states and Japan, Kuleana Rum Works champions excellence, transparency and community stewardship. Visit kuleanarum.com to learn more.

https://kuleanarum.com/additive-free/