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Livan Hernandez left the game in the eighth inning with a 5-2 lead, having pitched seven-plus innings and thrown 111 pitches in 99-degree heat and earning a well-deserved standing ovation.
And then everything came apart.
Tyler Clippard entered the game with two runners on base, and quickly gave up two singles and a sacrifice fly. Still, the Nationals had a chance to get out of the inning with a 5-4 lead with Sean Burnett on the mound, until Ian Desmond's wild side struck again.
Desmond, while trying to turn a double play at second, fired wide of Adam Dunn at first and the Padres tied the game as the throw sailed toward the Nationals' dugout. It's questionable whether Desmond could've retired Oscar Salazar at first base, but with two outs and a runner at third, he needs to know well enough to eat the throw.
As it is, Hernandez leaves with four runs and a no-decision after a gritty effort, and the Nationals and Padres are tied at five.
