Sept 29, V7N- Kyle Higashioka and Brandon Lockridge powered the San Diego Padres to a 5-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday night in Phoenix. In a scoreless game, Higashioka launched a two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning, followed immediately by Lockridge's solo home run, his first career hit in the majors. Donovan Solano capped off the Padres' five-run ninth inning with another two-run homer, going 4-for-5 on the night.

San Diego, which played mostly reserves after clinching the fourth seed in the National League playoffs, only started three regulars but still managed to secure the win. A.J. Puk (4-9) took the loss for Arizona, surrendering three hits and two home runs in the ninth. Wandy Peralta (3-2) earned the win for the Padres, as the Arizona offense struggled, managing just two hits in the game.

The loss was a tough blow for the Diamondbacks (88-73), who are fighting for a wild-card spot in the National League. Corbin Carroll doubled in the sixth for Arizona’s first hit, and Christian Walker added a single in the ninth, but Arizona couldn’t generate any offense, going hitless in key situations. Diamondbacks starter Eduardo Rodriguez threw 4 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing four singles and striking out three, but the bullpen couldn’t maintain the shutout.

Padres' rookie Randy Vasquez, recalled from Triple-A, made a strong start, allowing just one hit through six innings. Despite hitting two batters and walking one, he kept the Diamondbacks off the scoreboard, striking out Lourdes Gurriel Jr. with runners on base to escape trouble in the sixth.

The Diamondbacks will now look to their regular-season finale on Sunday as they continue their pursuit of a playoff berth.

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