The Padres, who are 53-44 and in possession of the National League’s final wild-card playoff spot, scored once against Nationals starter Michael Soroka (3-8, 5.10).

A single by Fernando Tatis Jr. and a walk to Luis Arraez loaded the bases for Machado, who put it out of reach for Washington, homering into the Padres bullpen in left-center. CJ Abrams had tied it 2-all with a two-run homer off reliever Jason Adams with one out in the eighth.

The third baseman became the first player rung up on a challenged ball/strike call Tuesday since spring training, and he didn't mince words about what he should have done instead of take a two-strike pitch from Tarik Skubal.