Padres offense explodes in seventh for win over Mets

SAN DIEGO- The San Diego Padres' offense stayed hot and combined for five runs in the seventh inning to defeat the New York Mets 7-1 on Tuesday night.

It was all Friars (59-49) in game two with center fielder Jackson Merrill, catcher Elias Diaz and designated hitter Manny Machado leading the way offensively. 

Merrill (.263 BA, .728 OPS) got it going in the first inning and drove in right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. on a first-pitch sweeper to take a 1-0 lead.

Starter Ryan Bergert was untouchable while pitching with the lead. He lived on the black and mixed speeds very well. Bergert continued to throw competitive pitches with lots of swing-and-miss as a result in his first four innings since being recalled.

“A lot of quality strikes, throwing the ball inside, the changeup was on display,” said Manager Mike Shildt. “All of his pitches were working and throwing them where he wanted to.”

Bergert dealt with some control issues in the fifth that led to him getting pulled. He walked two batters and allowed a single to load the bases with no outs. 

“First four innings felt great. Got myself into some trouble there in the fifth inning,” said Bergert. “Four walks, that’s not who I am.”

Jeremiah Estrada came into relief and escaped the jam, allowing only one run on a sac-fly.  The bullpen was phenomenal and combined for zero runs allowed, two hits and four strikeouts. Another dominant display from the Friars' bullpen kept the Padres in perfect position to regain the lead. 

“Our bullpen has been our key,” said Machado. “They really help big time.”

Merrill came through again in the sixth following a leadoff walk from Tatis. Merrill slapped a triple over first baseman Pete Alonso’s head to take back the lead at 2-1. 

Third baseman Jose Iglesias kept the momentum going in the seventh with a leadoff base hit, his second of the day. Second baseman Jake Cronenworth followed up with a first-pitch single.

Diaz, the walkoff hero last night, kept the rally going by crushing an inside slider down the line for a two-RBI double. Diaz’ late night heroics pushed the lead to 4-1. 

“The last two nights, what he’s been doing for this ballclub, he’s been putting the team on his back,” said Machado. “It’s been awesome to see.”

The damage didn’t end there as Machado (.301 BA, .872 OPS) put the Mets to bed with a three-run home run (20) to push the lead to 7-1. Machado's 20th home run marks his 11th season with 20-plus home runs.

San Diego looks to keep their four-game win streak alive against the Mets (62-46) on Wednesday at 1:10 p.m.