Xander Bogaerts’ streak on base at 30 games ends

San Diego — Xander Bogaerts’ streak on base has come to an end — and it’s hard to imagine an odd way to end it.

Bogaerts, who set a Padres record by reaching base in each of his first 30 games of the season, appeared to extend that streak Wednesday afternoon with a single in the fifth in the Padres’ 7-1 win over the Reds at Petco Park.

Instead, Juan Soto’s basic slip nullified Bogaerts’ song, making it one of the most unlikely power plays you’ll ever see.

With Soto on first base, Bogaerts sent a sharp line to right, where Reds right fielder Stuart Fairchild attempted a diving catch. Instead, the ball hopped short into Fairchild’s glove.

Soto, who had already finished second, turned to see Fairchild holding a baseball and assumed he had been caught on the fly. He cleared second base and headed for first—much to the consternation of Bogaerts, who was standing at first base waiting for him.

Fairchild threw the ball to second for what was ruled a solid 9-4.

And sure, any thrust 9-4 is weird. But this offered a particularly unique set of circumstances. Soto had already touched second base. But Bogaerts wouldn’t get credit for the hit, because Soto set out to drop that rule.

If, after touching the next base, the forced runner retreats for any reason toward the base he last occupied, the play is restarted by force, and he may be put out again if the defense marks the base he was forced on.

Because Soto returned his touchdown on second and fell back toward first, his initial touchdown to second base was nullified. He came out second just like any other powerhouse.

“It’s baseball,” said Bogaerts. “You never know what to expect. Every day is different. … Soto obviously didn’t want to do that on purpose. I’m going to have more.” [hits]. “

Bogaerts had two more chances to reach base. In the sixth inning, he emerged to shallow left, as the Reds’ Jose Barrero made a great over-the-shoulder catch. In the eighth, he hit .

The Bogaerts finished 0-for-5. However, he got off to a solid start in the Padres tenure, with a slash streak of .291/.378/.479.

“I wish there was a loophole,” said Padres manager Bob Melvin, “because he was standing on base at one point.” “Obviously with the font engine, it was hard to read. His font stops. Start a new one after the day off.”

On Monday, Bogaerts extended his streak to 30 games, surpassing Bobby Brown’s record of 29 games on base for a season start, set in 1983. Bogaerts’ total streak has technically grown to 32 games, hitting in each of his last two games with Reed Sox last season.

The Padres record for most touchdowns at any point in a season belongs to Ryan Klesko, who reached base in 56 consecutive games during the 2002 season.