Gavin Sheets Plays Hero as Padres Win Back-to-Back Walk-Off Thrillers

Apr 10, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Gavin Sheets (30) celebrates after hitting a walk off three-run home run during the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Gavin Sheets knew the moment he connected on a pitch from Rockies reliever Juan Mejía that it was the game-sealing home run, giving his Padres a 5-2 victory. It was one of two home runs on the night for Sheets, both of which proved critical in the win.

After walking it off Thursday night with Xander Bogaerts playing the hero, it was Sheets’ turn on Friday. It marked the first time the Padres hit back-to-back walk-off home runs by different players since Kyle Higashioka and Jackson Merrill did it against the A’s in June 2024. “We’ve kept the momentum on our side,” Sheets said.

“Obviously it shifts to the games, but we've been able to bounce back and two huge wins. ” Apr 10, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Gavin Sheets (30) has a cooler dumped over him by center fielder Jackson Merrill (3) after Sheets hit a walk off three-run home run during the ninth inning at Petco Park. Denis Poroy-Imagn Images Apr 10, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Gavin Sheets (30) has a cooler dumped over him by center fielder Jackson Merrill (3) after Sheets hit a walk off three-run home run during the ninth inning at Petco Park.

One player on the field for both game-winning moments was center fielder Jackson Merrill. On Thursday, he walked and advanced to second when Bogaerts delivered the walk-off. On Friday, Merrill reached third base after leading off the inning with a single.