Zebby Matthews dealt first MLB loss as Twins lose to Padres, 5-3

The American League Wild Card lead for the second spot got a little tighter Monday night as the Minnesota Twins lost to the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, 5-3.

The Kansas City Royals won earlier against the Los Angeles Angels, pulling into a tie with the Twins in the Wild Card race. Kansas City has now won five straight games. Minnesota also fell 2.5 games back of the AL Central-leading Guardians, as Cleveland was idle on Monday.

Twins rookie starter Zebby Matthews went five innings again like he did in his MLB-winning debut against the Royals , but this time gave up five runs in the first three innings and was given the loss.

Minnesota's offense struck first in the top of the first inning, as Matt Wallner doubled in Trevor Larnach against San Diego's starter Michael King. Wallner previously went 0-for in the previous series against the Texas Rangers.

The Padres were quick to respond in the bottom half of the inning, as Jake Cronenworth grounded out, scoring former Twin Luis Arraez, who led off the inning hit by a pitch. Then, Xander Bogaerts singled home Jurickson Profar to take the lead against Matthews and Minnesota.

The Twins once again responded in the top half of the second inning, as Willi Castro drove in his 48th RBI of the season off a groundout, scoring Edouard Julien. Austin Martin was tagged out between first and second, as he back-pedaled to give Castro enough time to beat the throw to first to allow the run to score.

Unfortunately for the Twins, the bats struggled to get any rallies going the rest of the way.

The Padres took the lead for good in the bottom of the third, as 20-year-old Jackson Merrill hit a bases-loaded double, emptying the bases and taking a 5-2 lead.

Twins in-season trade acquisition Trevor Richards pitched two shutout innings in relief, not allowing any hits while striking out one.

The Twins had 15 consecutive batters retired before Julien walked with two outs in the top of the ninth inning against Padres closer Robert Suarez. Julien then took second base on defensive indifference and Christian Vazquez drove him in to make it 5-3. José Miranda pinch hit as the tying run but grounded out to shortstop Tyler Wade to end the ballgame.

The Twins and Padres will go at it again Tuesday night, as the Twins will send right-hander Bailey Ober (12-5, 3.49 ERA) to the mound while the Padres will have former Twin Martín Pérez (3-5, 4.62 ERA) try to help San Diego take the series. First pitch is scheduled for 8:40 p.m. CT.