CLEVELAND — Mike Clevinger had an impressive first start since undergoing elbow surgery in 2020, and Manny Machado hit a two-run home as the San Diego Padres beat the Cleveland Guardians 5-4 in the first game of a doubleheader.
Machado connected in the third inning off Zach Plesac and Austin Nola delivered a go-ahead RBI double in the sixth as the Padres won for the sixth time in seven games.
It was a solid return for Clevinger.
He had Tommy John surgery not long after pitching in Game 1 of the NLDS two years ago.
Facing his former team and Plesac, one of his closest friends, the right-hander allowed three runs and four hits.
