Five-Run Ninth Inning Stuns Seattle

Jackson Merrill delivered a walk-off, two-run double into the left-field corner to cap a stunning five-run ninth-inning rally, lifting the San Diego Padres to a 7-6 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday night. The win extended San Diego's winning streak to seven games.

How the Rally Unfolded

Trailing 2-6 entering the ninth, the Padres ignited the comeback when Manny Machado drew a leadoff walk against closer Andres Muñoz. Gavin Sheets and Ty France added infield hits to load the bases. Manager Craig Stammen called on Fernando Tatis Jr. off the bench, and though Tatis hit a sacrifice fly, the rally lived on. Luis Campusano and Ramón Laureano followed with singles before Merrill stepped to the plate.

With Muñoz removed, left-hander Jose A. Ferrer faced Merrill, who laced a two-strike line drive that hugged the foul line and stayed fair — scoring both Campusano and Laureano.

Third Walk-Off of the Homestand

The Padres have now recorded three walk-off wins this homestand. Xander Bogaerts and Gavin Sheets hit walk-off home runs on back-to-back nights against Colorado last week. Merrill, who also robbed a home run earlier in the game, has been the standout performer of the stretch.