A year later, the Padres find themselves in slightly better standing. They are 55-49, one game ahead of their 54-50 record last July 24. They are also entering dangerous territory. The wins and losses tell a story of year-over-year improvement. The recent trend lines do not.

He came around to score two batters later when Bryce Johnson hit a two-out single to center field, which resulted in a throwing error by Cardinals centerfielder Victor Scott II. Cronenworth crossed the plate and put the Padres up,