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Manny Machado blowing a perfect bubble while legging out a double is one of the great achievements in the history of American sport
After a brutal recent stretch in which they lost 9 of 11 games, the San Diego Padres have quickly found themselves again, taking the first two of a four-game set at home against the surprisingly-hot Cincinnati Reds. Yes, it's only two wins, but it's the manner in which the Padres have won both games that has grabbed the baseball world's attention.
In Game 1, after blowing a 2-0 lead in the top of the ninth, the sky was about to serious start falling in SD. Then, they exploded for four runs in the ninth, walking the Reds off with an earthshaking home run by Victor Caratini:
Pure electricity. Perhaps the best "holy sh-t, fans are really back" moment in sports this summer. The Friar faithful were out in full force again for Game 2, which was never in doubt, an 8-2 romp that included a pair of homers Wil Myers, two hits and a RBI from NL MVP candidate Fernando Tatis, Jr. and an 11-strikeout night for starter Chris Paddack. Also, there was this double from Manny Machado, which featured him blowing a perfect bubble of bubble gum mid-stride as he legged it out:
No exaggeration, this might be one of the most incredible athletic feats in the history of American sport. OK, that was a slight exaggeration, but it's definitely one of the coolest, and smoothest, two perfect words to describe this San Diego Padres team. They are just plain fun:
Imagine hating these guys? Unless you're a L.A. Dodgers fan or an old head, there is literally no reason to hate on the Pads. Good for baseball. Good for sports.