Fernando Tatis Jr. and newcomer Austin Hays power Padres to 7-2 victory over Astros

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Fernando Tatis Jr. drove in three runs with a power-hitting performance, while newcomer Austin Hays contributed his first big hit for the San Diego Padres in a 7-2 victory over the Houston Astros. Tatis delivered a three-run homer to lead the charge, and Hays connected for a two-run shot in his first at-bat with the Padres.

Jackson Merrill and Gavin Sheets each added a home run of their own to bolster the Padres' offense. Randy Vásquez and three relievers combined for a dominant two-hitter, allowing just two runs over five innings pitched. The Padres' 12th victory in 16 games puts them just one game behind the National League playoff spot. The Padres' comeback began in the bottom of the fourth inning when Merrill hit a 421-foot home run to straightaway center field.

Tatis then followed with his own towering drive to the third level of the Western Metal Supply Co. brick warehouse in the left-field corner, extending the Padres' lead to 4-2. Gavin Sheets added another home run in the sixth inning, driving in the first run of the inning. Austin Hays, who joined the Padres earlier in the day, hit a two-run homer in his first at-bat of the game, reinforcing the Padres' strong offensive display.

Despite Houston's best efforts, the Padres dominated the pitching staff, holding the Astros to just two hits and no walks. San Francisco's Blade Tidwell is set to start against the Padres in the next game, while Houston will be led by RHP Hayden Wesneski.