Tatis Jr. powers Padres past Mets in wild-card race
Fernando Tatis Jr. hit two home runs and made a critical defensive play to rob Francisco Lindor of a grand slam, securing a victory for the San Diego Padres over the New York Mets.
The San Diego Padres defeated the New York Mets on Tuesday, with Fernando Tatis Jr. delivering a performance that shifted the momentum in the National League wild-card race. The victory improved the Padres' standing as the third wild-card team by a game, though they remain one game behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the second spot. The result came after the Mets had won the series opener on Monday.
Tatis Jr. opened the game with a home run off Mets starter Zac Thornton, who threw a 92 mph four-seamer up in the zone. The ball travelled 452 feet with an exit velocity of 113.2 mph, marking Tatis' 14th home run of the season. The early lead set the tone for the Padres, who maintained control despite a brief Mets response.
In the bottom of the second inning, Tatis Jr. made a key defensive play in right field to rob shortstop Francisco Lindor of a grand slam. The catch kept the score at 1-0, preventing a significant shift in momentum. Tatis' defensive contribution proved pivotal, as the Mets were unable to capitalise on the opportunity to tie or take the lead.
Tatis Jr. returned to the plate in the fifth inning with second baseman Jake Cronenworth on base. Facing Thornton again, Tatis hit another high four-seamer into the stands for his second home run of the game. This hit proved to be the game-winner, as the Padres scored three more runs while the Mets managed only two.
Elsewhere in Major League Baseball, the Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Seattle Mariners in a result that highlighted the struggles of the American League West, where no team currently holds a winning record. The Chicago Cubs also secured a victory, winning a walk-off game against the White Sox.
The Cubs' win was sealed by a single from third baseman Alex Bregman in the ninth inning, which scored catcher Carson Kelly. This followed a walk-off home run by Pete Crow-Armstrong on Monday. Crow-Armstrong, who hit a leadoff home run in Tuesday's game, now has 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases, leading the majors in wins above replacement with 7.8.
