Cronenworth homers in 9th, Padres win; Stanek, Astros tumble

SAN DIEGO (AP) — As he rounded third base and flung off his batting helmet in anticipation of a wild celebration after his first career walk-off home run, Jake Cronenworth of the San Diego Padres had two thoughts racing through his mind.

“I've always had the same feeling, just hopefully they don’t get my batting gloves wet and please don’t throw something at my face, but they shot baby powder in my mouth," Cronenworth said.

Cronenworth took a direct hit of baby powder from fellow All-Star Fernando Tatis Jr. after his solo home run with one out in the ninth inning lifted the Padres to a 4-3 win against the Houston Astros.

The wild finish, coupled with a power burst by Manny Machado, Wil Myers and Tatis in a 10-2 win Saturday, might help turn things around for the Padres, who have scuffled through the last few weeks.

The Padres took two of three from the Astros and popped back ahead of Cincinnati in the race for the second wild-card spot.

Cronenworth said they might be getting their swagger back.

“We’re a super fun team up and down the lineup and I think when we’re playing our best, everybody’s having a great time, everybody’s dancing in dugout, pulling for each other," Cronenworth said. "Kind of that swag thing, having fun. I think when we’re doing that on a day to day basis, everybody’s confident and it’s pretty tough to beat this team when we’re doing that.”

Cronenworth, who has struggled at the plate recently, sent a drive to right-center off reliever Ryne Stanek for his 20th homer of the season. It was the second game-winning hit of his two-year career.

One batter earlier, Stanek (1-4) caught Machado's popup behind the mound and then tumbled over backward, popping up with the ball in his glove.

That play brought smiles from Stanek and his teammates. He didn't look...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Cronenworth-homers-in-9th-Padres-win-Stanek-16437624.php