Padres' Merrill hits go-ahead homer to beat Red Sox

Rookie outfielder's 8th-inning blast seals series victory for San Diego

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:37pm

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Jackson Merrill, a rookie outfielder for the San Diego Padres, hit a go-ahead solo home run in the eighth inning to lift his team to an 8-6 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Sunday. The win clinched the series for the Padres, who took two out of three games at Fenway Park.

Why it matters

The Padres' series win over the Red Sox, a perennial playoff contender, is an encouraging sign for the young San Diego squad as they look to build on last season's success and make a push for the postseason.

The details

With the game tied 6-6 in the eighth inning, Merrill stepped up and crushed a leadoff home run to give the Padres the lead. San Diego's bullpen was then able to hold on and secure the victory, capping a strong series performance by the Padres against one of the American League's top teams.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
  • Merrill's go-ahead home run came in the top of the eighth inning.

The players

Jackson Merrill

A rookie outfielder for the San Diego Padres.

San Diego Padres

A Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California.

Boston Red Sox

A Major League Baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts.

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What they’re saying

“That was a huge hit for us. Jackson has been swinging the bat well, and he came through in a big spot today.”

— Bob Melvin, Padres Manager

What’s next

The Padres will look to build on this series win as they continue their road trip, facing the New York Yankees in a three-game set starting on Tuesday.

The takeaway

The Padres' series victory over the Red Sox demonstrates the team's ability to compete with the American League's elite, providing optimism for their postseason aspirations as they look to build on last year's success.