Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, lifting the San Diego Padres to a 6-4 comeback victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night at Petco Park. The win snapped a two-game skid for San Diego and halted a four-game losing streak against the Angels dating back to last season.
Before the first pitch, the betting odds slightly favored the Padres, who were listed at around -125 on the moneyline, while the Angels entered as +105 underdogs. The matchup lived up to its billing, staying competitive until the final at-bat.
With the score tied in the ninth inning, Padres catcher Elias Díaz drew a full-count walk to open the frame against Angels closer Kenley Jansen. Tatis followed by connecting on a cutter, launching a 430-foot home run to straightaway center field. It marked his 12th homer of the season and his latest contribution in a consistent stretch where he has now recorded hits in 23 of his last 26 games.
Jansen was charged with the loss, falling to 0-2, while Padres reliever Jason Adam earned the win with a scoreless ninth inning to improve to 4-0.
The Angels initially pulled ahead in the top of the seventh. After two quick outs, Jo Adell delivered an RBI double to cut San Diego’s lead to 2-1. Pinch-hitter Matthew Lugo followed with a two-run home run, his third of the season, giving Los Angeles a 4-2 advantage.
The Padres answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning. After two runners reached base via singles, a fielder’s choice, and an error by Angels third baseman Yoán Moncada allowed both to score, tying the game at 4-4.
Angels starter José Soriano delivered a strong outing, allowing only two unearned runs on four hits over seven innings. He did not issue a walk and struck out five, continuing a promising run in the Los Angeles rotation.
San Diego starter Dylan Cease also pitched effectively. Over 6 2/3 innings, he allowed two runs on five hits and struck out 10, including a stretch of four consecutive strikeouts between the third and fourth innings.
Despite the loss, the Angels received continued production from Lugo, who has collected multiple extra-base hits early in his significant league tenure, and Adell, who has now recorded RBIs in three straight games.
The Padres could not get a hit from Jackson Merrill, who had entered the game with six consecutive multi-hit performances and hits in 14 of his last 15 games. Merrill finished 0-for-4 with two deep flyouts.
The series concludes Wednesday evening. Right-hander Randy Vásquez (2-3, 3.76 ERA) will start for Los Angeles, while Kyle Hendricks (1-4, 5.30 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound for San Diego.