Jackson Merrill plays hero, hits walk-off double to complete comeback for Padres

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 15: Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres reacts after hitting a walk off double during the ninth inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park on April 15, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images The San Diego Padres loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning against Seattle Mariners closer Andres Munoz.

The Padres were trailing the Mariners 6-2, and Fernando Tatis Jr. who did not start the game, came in to pinch-hit for Jake Cronenworth. Tatis Jr.

worked the count full against Munoz and hit a deep line drive to right field which resulted in a sacrifice fly as Manny Machado tagged up from third and scored to cut the Padres’ deficit to 6-3. Luis Campusano, who came in for Freddy Fermin early in the game after he took a foul ball off his catcher’s mask, singled to left-center field to push the score to 6-4 with runners on the corners. Ramon Laureano followed and dumped the first pitch of his at-bat into left field, which scored Ty France from third to make the score, 6-5.

Jose Ferrer replaced Munoz and was given the task of facing Jackson Merrill. The third-year center fielder shot a line drive double on a 2-2 pitch just inside the third base bag that rolled down the line and into the corner where Seattle left fielder Randy Arozarena was unable to come up with it. Campusano and Laureano raced around the bases and came in to score to walk-off the Mariners, 7-6, pushing the Padres’ win streak to seven games.