09/09/26 07:28:00
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09/09 19:26 CDT Merrill homers twice and drives in 6 runs in the Padres' 9-2
victory over the Nationals
Merrill homers twice and drives in 6 runs in the Padres' 9-2 victory over the
Nationals
By RICHARD J. MARCUS
Associated Press
SAN DIEGO (AP) --- Jackson Merrill homered twice, had a career-high six RBIs
and fell a double short of a cycle to help the San Diego Padres beat the
Washington Nationals 9-2 on Wednesday after the hottest first-pitch temperature
in Petco Park history at 95 degrees.
The previous record was 93 on Sept. 10, 2015, in a game against the Colorado
Rockies. Petco Park opened in 2004.
Merrill tied his career high with 24 homers. He's the third Padres player with
a triple and two home runs in the same game.
The Padres swept the three-game series and have a four-game winning streak as
they fight Arizona for the final NL wild card.
Kyle Hart (1-3) got the win with 2 1/3 shutout innings.
The slumping Nationals have lost seven consecutive games. Since July 27,
Washington has the worst record in the majors at 13-29.
Nationals starter Jackson Kent (1-4) took the loss.
Merrill had a two-run triple off the wall in center in the third. His two-run,
opposite-field homer in the fourth and solo shot to center in the seventh gave
San Diego an 8-2 lead.
Padres starter Walker Buehler went 2 1/3 innings, giving up two runs and three
hits while striking out four. He gave up a solo homer to Keibert Ruiz in the
third.
Washington manager Blake Butera was ejected by first base umpire Emil Jimenez
in the third. Nationals bench coach Michael Johns assumed manager
responsibilities.
Up next
The Padres have not named a starter for their Friday night game at San
Francisco. Giants RHP Anthony Molina (3-0, 2.79) will start the three-game
series.
Nationals RHP Cade Cavalli (12-5, 3.12) opens a three-game set Friday night
versus the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers, who have not named a starter.
___
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