Padres offensive struggles continue in series opener against Giants
May 4, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill (3) after scoring a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Oracle Park. SAN FRANCISCO -- Monday was overall a frustrating night for the San Diego Padres, who were held to just three hits in their 3-2 series opening loss against the Giants at Oracle Park. Despite an average performance on the mound from right-hander Randy Vásquez (3-1, 3.
20 ERA), the offense couldn't figure out San Francisco's young right-hander Trevor McDonald (1-0, 1. 29 ERA). On 81 pitches (60 counted for strikes), the 25-year-old allowed just one run, two hits and eight strikeouts in his season debut.
"The kid was making pitches," Padres manager Craig Stammen said. "He's throwing a little harder than what he's doing all year. You know, his season debut, came out firing in front the home crowd.
And then I think a little bit is, you know, we've got to fight him a little bit more. We made it a little easier on him. " The only offense the Padres had against McDonald came from one player and it was outfielder Jackson Merrill.
Merrill struck in the first inning with the game first run on a first pitch solo home run, and then in the fourth inning, he got on base with a lead-off single to right field. The other remaining offense from the night came on a lead-off solo shot by Ramón Laureano in the ninth inning and Jake Cronenworth getting hit by a pitch earlier in the game. San Diego only had two runners left on base and went 0-for-1 with runners in scoring position.