Padres overcome pitching error to defeat Nationals 9-2

The San Diego Padres defeated the Washington Nationals 9-2 on Wednesday to maintain their position in the National League Wild Card race. In the third inning, Padres manager Craig Stammen visited the mound to check on starting pitcher Walker Buehler, triggering a mandatory pitching change because pitching coach Ruben Niebla had already visited the mound during the same inning. Though initial reports suggested a misunderstanding, Stammen intended to remove Buehler but was persuaded otherwise, resulting in the accidental violation of league rules. Reliever Kyle Hart replaced Buehler and successfully worked out of a bases-loaded jam by striking out CJ Abrams and inducing a fly out from Yohandy Morales. The Padres offense scored seven runs in the subsequent three innings to secure the win. The victory keeps San Diego tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the third and final National League Wild Card spot with a 78-68 record.

• 3:36 AMYahoo Sports — Padres news: Craig Stammen sets record straight on Walker Buehler mound visit