NBC 11 Sports: High school football programs come together for 7-on-7 competition

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - High school football teams from across Yuma County and beyond gathered at San Pasqual High School on Saturday for a summer 7-on-7 tournament and lineman challenge as programs continued preparing for the upcoming fall season.

The event featured teams from around the region, including Gila Ridge, Kofa, Somerton and Desert Star Academy of Fort Mohave. Players competed in drills, skills competitions and lineman challenges before taking part in the 7-on-7 tournament later in the day.

The championship game came down to Gila Ridge and Desert Star Academy, with the Hawks emerging victorious to claim the tournament title. Coaches and players said the event provided valuable offseason repetitions and an opportunity to measure progress ahead of the start of the high school football season.

The San Diego Padres bounced back in a big way Saturday, defeating the Baltimore Orioles 9-3 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards behind a season-high five home runs.

San Diego wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. In the top of the first inning, Jackson Merrill broke out of a recent slump with a two-run home run to give the Padres an early advantage. Later in the inning, Samad Taylor added another two-run blast, helping San Diego jump out to a 4-0 lead.

The Padres continued to apply pressure throughout the game, building a comfortable lead while keeping Baltimore's offense in check.

In the eighth inning, Rodolfo Durán, who entered the game after an injury to catcher Freddy Fermin, added to the power display with a solo home run that extended San Diego's lead.

Manny Machado put the finishing touches on the victory in the ninth inning, launching the Padres' fifth home run of the afternoon.

Although both teams finished with 10 hits, San Diego made the most of its opportunities at the plate, using the long ball to separate itself from Baltimore. The win evened the series after the Padres dropped the opener and gives them an opportunity to secure a series victory in the finale.

The 9-3 victory marked one of the Padres' most impressive offensive performances of the season as they continue their road trip on the East Coast.