The San Diego Padres are setting the pace in Major League Baseball with an impressive 14-3 record, boasting an undefeated 11-0 streak at home, tying them with the 2009 Los Angeles Dodgers and 2023 Tampa Bay Rays for the longest home opening streak since 1900. On Tuesday night, against the Chicago Cubs, star Manny Machado capitalized on a little luck, hitting a solo homer after the Cubs' right fielder Kyle Tucker and third baseman Gage Workman both dropped foul popups, allowing Machado to extend the inning. This at-bat not only lifted Machado's numbers but also increased the pitch count for Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga, ultimately leading to his exit from the game.

Machado, now 32, has been a strong asset to the Padres, demonstrating a robust batting average of .317 with seven doubles and six stolen bases this season. His performance reflects a broader team trend of aggressive base running, indicating the Padres are not just relying on luck but are also capitalizing on their skillset to dominate games. The Padres’ ability to combine luck with talent could be pivotal as they look to sustain their successful start as the season progresses.