Fernando Tatis Jr. and newcomer Austin Hays power Padres to 7-2 victory over Astros
Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a go-ahead, three-run homer and pinch-hitter Austin Hays connected for a two-run shot in his first at-bat with San Diego as the Padres beat the AL West-leading Houston Astros 7-2 on Sunday. Jackson Merrill and Gavin Sheets also went deep for the Padres, who took two of three in the series and remained one game out of a National League playoff spot.
In a thrilling 7-2 victory over the Houston Astros, the San Diego Padres showcased strong performances from standout players Fernando Tatis Jr. and newcomer Austin Hays. Tatis Jr. hammered a three-run homer to put the Padres ahead, while Hays stepped up with a two-run shot in his first at-bat with the Padres. Jackson Merrill and Gavin Sheets added to the score with their own home runs.
The Padres' pitching staff also shined, with Jackson Merrill and three relievers contributing to a two-hitter, resulting in the team's 12th win in their last 16 games. Randy Vásquez led the way, pitching five solid innings and retiring his final 10 batters after giving up Daulton Varsho's two-run homer in the second inning. Varsho's eighth home run this season came in that game, his first since being acquired from Toronto before the trade deadline.
The Padres bounced back from a losing streak with this win, putting them one game away from a National League playoff spot. The next matchup will be against the San Francisco Giants, with Padres' RHP Casey Mize taking the mound against Giants' RHP Logan Henderson.
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