Struggling Padres' brutal blunder in game against Pirates leads to 5th consecutive loss

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

The first half of the San Diego Padres season has largely been disappointing.

The Padres ownership and front office committed to the third-highest payroll in the MLB. The lineup features several star players including Xander Bogaerts, Manny Machado and Juan Soto — just to name a few.

However, the team currently sits in fourth place in the National League West standings with a 37-44 record.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The Pittsburgh Pirates celebrate after a 5-4 win over the San Diego Padres during the game at PNC Park on June 29, 2023 in Pittsburgh. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

On Thursday, the Padres suffered an embarrassing loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. San Diego entered the final game of the three-game series with the hope they would snap their losing streak.

PIRATES PLAYERS SOUND OFF ON MLB FOR PLAYING IN UNHEALTHY AIR QUALITY; ANDREW MCCUTCHEN MASKS UP

At one point in the game, it looked like they would win, but they ended up throwing away their victory — almost literally.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Padres were leading by two runs, but the Pirates had two men on base. Both baserunners made it to home plate safely after pitcher Tim Hill made an inaccurate throw to the first base.

As a result, the score was a 5-5 tie. 

Ha-Seong Kim, #7 of the San Diego Padres, celebrates with Manny Machado, #13, after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on June 29, 2023 in Pittsburgh. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

If Hill had simply picked up the ball, the Pirates likely would have scored only one run. Instead, he