Manny Machado’s two-run double in the 10th inning and Merrill’s homer lifted the San Diego Padres to a 6-2 comeback win over the Miami Marlins.
Manny Machado’s two-run double in the 10th inning led the Padres in another late-game comeback, which included a game-tying homer by Jackson Merrill, as San Diego won its sixth straight game with a 6-2 victory over the Miami Marlins on Friday night.
Machado’s double off Brett De Geus (0-1) drove in former Marlin Luis Arraez, who had singled, and Jake Cronenworth. Tyler Wade gave the Padres the lead by scoring on a Cronenworth grounder to shortstop Xavier Edwards. Merrill drove in Machado for the final run in the 10th.
Merrill tied the game in the ninth with a 400-foot homer to center, his 16th of the season, off Marlins reliever George Soriano, who also allowed Machado’s run-scoring double in the eighth.
Jason Adams (7-2) got the win with a scoreless ninth inning. Bryan Hoeing, who was traded to the Padres two weeks ago from the Marlins along with Tanner Scott, struck out one in a scoreless eighth inning. Scott allowed one hit in a scoreless 10th.
The Padres also made a comeback on Thursday, scoring three runs in the ninth inning to beat Pittsburgh 7-6. The Marlins had a tough 10th inning, having given up seven runs on Thursday in a 10-4 loss to Cincinnati. They have lost four of their last five games.
Merrill, a top rookie of the year candidate, said he can’t explain his success other than the hard work he puts in. The center fielder, who went 3 for 4, is now hitting .294 with an .807 OPS.
Martin Perez pitches in the 1st inning
“Just playing the game and having fun,” Merrill said. “When you work hard and keep your head down, it will reward you sometimes.”
Machado and manager Mike Shildt, who was celebrating his 56th birthday, both said they are no longer surprised by Merrill’s success.
“He’s different, man. He’s a guy that works on his craft every single day, watching video, trying to get better,” Machado said. “So when that moment comes up, he believes in himself.”
Shildt said, “Hard to expect that (Merrill would homer), but what a stud. He’s a guy who loves the big moments.”
Marlins starter Edward Cabrera pitched seven shutout innings, marking his second strong start in a row after having trouble in his first five games following two months off with shoulder tightness.
The 26-year-old right-hander gave up four hits, struck out four, and walked three. He also pitched five shutout innings on Sunday against the Braves. He ended his night by striking out catcher Luis Campusano with two runners on base.
Cabrera “really grew up tonight. That was a big moment for him,” said manager Skip Schumaker.
The Padres have the best record in MLB since the All-Star break, going 15-3. They are two games behind the Dodgers in the National League West. Los Angeles was playing later Friday at home against Pittsburgh
