Padres hit 4 home runs to take series from Astros
MLB.com • • sports
Key Points:
- The San Diego Padres defeated the Houston Astros 7-2, with home runs from Jackson Merrill, Fernando Tatis Jr., Gavin Sheets, and Austin Hays, maintaining their position just one game behind Arizona and Philadelphia in the National League Wild Card race.
- Tatis Jr. hit a three-run homer, marking his 163rd career home run and tying him for second on the Padres’ all-time leaderboard, while Merrill continued his strong second-half performance with a solo home run.
- Despite a recent slump and plantar fasciitis, Gavin Sheets contributed a crucial solo home run, his first since June 30, and Austin Hays added a pinch-hit home run, bolstering the Padres' offensive resurgence.
- The Padres' bullpen was dominant, retiring the last 22 Astros batters, with strong performances from Kyle Hart, Bradgley Rodriguez, and Jeremiah Estrada, even without key relievers Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon.
- Manager Craig Stammen and players expressed confidence in the bullpen's ability to secure leads, emphasizing the importance of the offense and pitching staff as the team aims for October success.
