San Diego center fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. dropped Nolan Arenado’s bases-loaded popup and heaved the ball home, leading to a five-run first inning, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Padres 8-7 Sunday for an eight-game winning streak. Tatis’ brutal error and mental mistake — he chose not to make an easy throw to second or third for a forceout — came one day after his dugout dustup with teammate Manny Machado.
San Diego starter Jake Arrieta left soon after the error with an injury. Arrieta (5-14) left after six batters and 20 pitches because of a right groin strain.
Alex Reyes (9-8) allowed one run over two innings to win in relief of J.A. Happ, who gave up three runs and four hits in four innings. Giovanny Gallegos struck out two in a perfect ninth for his 10th save in 18 chances.
RHP Jake Woodford (2-3, 4.30 ERA) will start the first game of a four game series in Milwaukee Monday night, 5:45 with the pregame and the first pitch at 6:40 on KIRX.