With a 440-foot, three-run home hit, rookie Jackson Merrill gives the San Diego Padres a 6-4 victory against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The San Diego Padres upset the Milwaukee Brewers, who lead the NL Central, 6-4 on Saturday
thanks to a three-run home drive smashed by rookie Jackson Merrill that flew 440 feet to center field
and a corresponding bat flip celebration. This was the Padres’ fourth straight victory.
In addition, Ha-Seong Kim and Kyle Higashioka drove in runs for the Padres, who raised their
record over.500 and hope to sweep the series on Sunday.
Before Jhony Brito loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth inning, allowing Brice Turang to drive
a grand slam to left field, San Diego was on the verge of a shutout victory. Entering the game, Robert
Suarez earned his 19th save of the year by getting the last out.
With seven of those home runs coming in his previous ten games, the 21-year-old Merrill now has
ten for the season. On June 12, he started his recent hot streak with two home runs, including a
walk-off. Oakland defeated him 5-4.
Merrill’s career-long home run on Saturday, which he launched in the fourth inning with one out,
surpassed the 411-foot blast he made on June 15 against the New York Mets’ Jose Quintana.
“I don’t think I’ve ever looked at distance because if it goes over the fence, it’s a homer,” Merrill
remarked, reflecting on his distance of home runs. It makes no difference if it was 330 or 440 feet; it
counts the same. I had anticipated hitting certain balls with more force. The night games here are a
little challenging, so they haven’t carried as much. I’m only attempting to align the barrel with the
ball.Merrill saw the ball go over the fence after hitting the home run, then tossed it aside while
continuing to trot with his bat in hand. He had three hits at the game’s conclusion.
Merrill remarked, “I’m just learning when not to take my shots.” “You have to try to drive someone in
first and second because we had two guys and one out.”
Manager Mike Shildt stated, “When you have an efficient swing, you grow into your power,”
expressing his confidence in Merrill’s recent power explosion. Upon initially observing Jackson, I
saw that he has a remarkable swing and an understanding of its application, which is uncommon not just in general but specifically in younger players.
Leave a Reply