Padres defeat Astros 3-1 with strong pitching and homers

In a recent game, Yu Darvish showcased his skills by throwing six scoreless innings, marking his best performance since returning from a lengthy injury layoff. The Padres secured a 3-1 victory over the Houston Astros, with rookie Jackson Merrill and Jurickson Profar contributing crucial home runs. Profar's leadoff homer in the eighth inning was his 23rd of the season, while Merrill's impressive 413-foot shot in the fourth highlighted his potential for the NL Rookie of the Year award. The Padres' win allowed them to extend their lead over Arizona for the top NL wild card spot, while they remained in pursuit of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. Houston's lead in the AL West was reduced to four games over the Seattle Mariners, who were idle during this matchup. The game also marked a significant moment for Padres leadoff hitter Luis Arraez, who struck out for the first time in 141 plate appearances, tying a franchise record held by Tony Gwynn. Arraez, who was playing as the designated hitter, left the game after sustaining an injury while attempting to score. Despite this setback, the Padres' pitching staff, led by Darvish, effectively contained the Astros' offense, allowing only three hits throughout the game. Robert Suarez closed the game with a perfect ninth inning, securing his 33rd save of the season. This victory not only bolstered the Padres' playoff aspirations but also showcased the team's depth and resilience, particularly with key players stepping up in crucial moments. The performance against the Astros serves as a reminder of the Padres' potential as they head into the final stretch of the season.