Padres Beat Pirates 9-8 in Extra Innings with Merrill's Two Homers

PITTSBURGH (AP) — In a nail-biting contest on Wednesday night, the San Diego Padres triumphed over the Pittsburgh Pirates with a 9-8 victory, highlighted by Jackson Merrill's impressive performance, which included two home runs and four hits. The game reached a critical point in the 10th inning when Xander Bogaerts delivered a crucial single, driving in the go-ahead run and capping off a three-run rally. Merrill's solo homer in the ninth inning tied the game at 6-6, showcasing his determination as a rookie center fielder. The Padres displayed resilience throughout the game, with key contributions from players like Manny Machado, Donovan Solano, and Kyle Higashioka, each recording two hits. Higashioka's three-run homer in the fourth inning was pivotal in keeping the Padres competitive. Despite a challenging outing from starter Michael King, who allowed four runs over five innings, the team’s collective effort shone through as they fought back from a deficit. For the Pirates, Andrew McCutchen stood out with two hits, including a solo home run, and three RBIs. The team held a narrow lead in the eighth inning but could not maintain it as the Padres rallied late. Aroldis Chapman played a crucial role in stifling the Padres' momentum, striking out Machado with a powerful pitch to end a threatening inning. The Pirates were without Oneil Cruz due to illness but saw him return as a pinch hitter. Despite the loss, the Pirates demonstrated grit, leaving the winning run on base as they sought to overcome the Padres' late-game surge.