Padres Earn First Wins Behind Vasquez's Gem, Stammen's Managerial Debut

San Diego's young pitching and new manager shine in victory over Detroit Tigers

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:50pm

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The San Diego Padres earned their first wins of the season, with starting pitcher Randy Vasquez delivering a dominant two-hit performance and manager Craig Stammen picking up his first career victory. Closer Mason Miller also recorded his first save, while the Padres offense provided just enough support to avoid a sweep against the Detroit Tigers.

Why it matters

The Padres' early-season struggles had raised some concerns, but this win helps settle the team and provides a boost of confidence heading into a key series against the rival San Francisco Giants. Vasquez's strong outing also showcases the team's pitching depth, while Stammen's successful managerial debut suggests the Padres made the right choice in promoting him.

The details

Vasquez tossed six scoreless innings, striking out eight batters while allowing just two hits and three walks. The Padres offense scored three runs, with RBIs from Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jake Cronenworth. Closer Mason Miller recorded his first save of the season, striking out the side in the ninth inning to preserve the win. This was also the first career victory for new Padres manager Craig Stammen.

  • On Saturday, March 29, 2026, the Padres defeated the Tigers 3-0.
  • Vasquez made the start for the Padres, pitching six scoreless innings.
  • Tatis Jr. and Cronenworth drove in runs for the Padres.
  • Miller recorded the save for the Padres, striking out the side in the ninth.
  • This was the first win of the season for the Padres and the first career win for manager Craig Stammen.

The players

Randy Vasquez

The Padres' starting pitcher who delivered a dominant two-hit performance, striking out eight batters over six scoreless innings.

Fernando Tatis Jr.

The Padres' star shortstop who drove in a run with a single in the third inning to give the team an early lead.

Jake Cronenworth

The Padres' second baseman who scored two runs and drove in one to provide key offensive production.

Mason Miller

The Padres' closer who recorded his first save of the season, striking out the side in the ninth inning to preserve the win.

Craig Stammen

The Padres' new manager who picked up his first career victory in his managerial debut.

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What they’re saying

“It was a great team win and I'm proud of the way the guys battled tonight. Randy was outstanding on the mound and the offense did just enough to get the job done.”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager

What’s next

The Padres will look to build on this win as they host the rival San Francisco Giants at Petco Park on Monday, March 31st at 6:40 PM.

The takeaway

This victory showcases the Padres' pitching depth and the steady hand of new manager Craig Stammen, providing a much-needed boost of confidence for the team as they look to turn their season around and challenge for a playoff spot in the competitive NL West.