Merrill homers twice and drives in 6 runs in the Padres’ 9-2 victory over the Nationals

Jackson Merrill delivered a standout performance, hitting two home runs and driving in six runs as the San Diego Padres defeated the Washington Nationals 9-2. The game took place at Petco Park, which saw its hottest first-pitch temperature ever at 95 degrees. Merrill's impressive effort fell just one double short of a career cycle.

The previous record for the hottest first pitch in Petco Park history was 93 degrees, set on September 10, 2015, against the Colorado Rockies. This was Merrill's third career 24-home run season. He now joins three other Padres players who have achieved a triple and two home runs in the same game. The Padres' sweep of the three-game series has propelled them to a four-game winning streak as they compete for the final National League wild card spot.

The Padres have now won four consecutive games, while the Nationals have lost seven straight, sitting at the worst record in the majors at 13-29 since July 27. Washington starter Jackson Kent (1-4) allowed two runs over 2 1/3 shutout innings, while Nationals pitcher Kyle Hart (1-3) secured the win with a strong 2 1/3 innings.