Matt Carpenter put San Diego ahead with a run-scoring single in the second, giving him 26 RBI, and Sánchez hit a three-run homer in the third off George Kirby (5-5).
Claimed off waivers from the New York Mets on May 29, Sánchez is batting .286 with 10 RBI. He has four homers in an eight-game span for the first time since 2021 and is the first San Diego player to achieve the feat since Jake Cronenworth, also in 2021.
“Everyone knows how much power has and what he brings to the team,″ Soto said of Sánchez.
Sánchez started his season in the San Francisco organization, then went on to the Mets and Padres.
“It’s really the way I have been treated here,″ Sánchez said through a translator. “My teammates, the coaches. … I feel like I’ve been playing for a long time here.″
Sánchez, an two-time All-Star, admitted his season has been challenging.
“It’s been a little tough to be honest,″ he said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity here to be able to play.”
Michael Wacha (6-2) allowed two hits in six scoreless innings, striking out seven and walking one as his ERA dropped to 3.18.
“It’s a lot nicer pitching with those leads and to be able to stay on the attack as a pitcher,″ Wacha said. “I just feel like I have a really good feel for all my pitches right now, going to both sides of the plate with pretty much everything to keep them off balance.”
San Diego gained a two-game split by going 6 for 14 with runners in scoring position, a day after going 0 for 8.
Kirby gave up five runs and 11 hits in a season-low 3 2/3 innings.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Padres: DH Nelson Cruz (hamstring) was scheduled to being a rehab assignment with Triple-A El Paso on Wednesday night.
UP NEXT
Mariners RHP Luis Castillo (4-3, 2.55) is to start the opener of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday.
