Padres' Jackson Merrill Pulls Off Rare Feat in Comeback Win

The young star robbed a home run and then delivered a walk-off hit in the same game.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:28pm

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An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the dynamic motion of a baseball player making a leaping catch and then swinging a bat, with the player's features obscured by the energetic brushstrokes.Merrill's heroics on both defense and offense epitomize the Padres' resilience and their young star's growing legend.San Diego Today

San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill had a remarkable game against the Seattle Mariners, first robbing a home run with a spectacular catch in the third inning, and then delivering a game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth to complete a comeback victory for the Padres.

Why it matters

Merrill's performance highlights his growing stardom and the Padres' ability to mount dramatic comebacks, which will be crucial as they try to keep pace with the red-hot Dodgers in the NL West race.

The details

With the Mariners leading 6-2 in the bottom of the ninth, the Padres rallied to score five runs and tie the game. Merrill then stepped up to the plate with runners on first and second and two outs, and laced a walk-off hit down the left-field line to give the Padres the victory.

  • In the top of the third inning, Merrill made a leaping catch to rob a home run by the Mariners' Julio Rodriguez.
  • The Padres mounted their comeback in the bottom of the ninth inning, scoring five runs to tie the game at 6-6.
  • Merrill delivered the game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth inning.

The players

Jackson Merrill

A 22-year-old center fielder for the San Diego Padres who burst onto the scene in 2024, winning a Silver Slugger and finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting while making his first All-Star team.

Julio Rodriguez

The Mariners' star outfielder whose potential home run was robbed by Merrill in the third inning.

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What they’re saying

“The Kid just keeps on doing what he does best 🤯”

— San Diego Padres, Twitter account

“JACKSON MERRILL WINS IT! THE @PADRES SCORE FIVE IN THE BOTTOM OF THE 9TH!!!”

— MLB, Twitter account

What’s next

The Padres will look to build on this dramatic comeback win as they continue their pursuit of the Dodgers in the NL West standings.

The takeaway

Merrill's ability to make a game-saving catch and then deliver the game-winning hit in the same contest is a rare feat that showcases his growing stardom and the Padres' resilience. This performance will only add to Merrill's legend and the team's momentum as they aim to return to the playoffs.