Luis Arraez is an anomaly. The Padres’ leadoff man is baseball’s toughest hitter to strike out at a time when strikeouts are at their most prevalent, the paragon of a San Diego offense that strikes out less than any other in the majors.

Spencer Arrighetti suffered his 13th loss of the 2024 season Monday night as the Houston Astros dropped a sleepy 3-1 series opener at the San Diego Padres. But the rookie right hander should still take solace in one impressive at-bat in the second inning at Petco Park.

Their leadoff man ejected after baring a foot on the field, their manager tossed along with him, their closer roundly booed in his return to a former home, their offense aching for a timely hit, the Houston Astros salvaged a win Tuesday from a most unusual extra-innings affair.