In a thrilling matchup between two highly touted rookies, the San Diego Padres emerged victorious over the Milwaukee Brewers 7-3 on Monday night. Jackson Merrill, the Padres’ 20-year-old shortstop, played a pivotal role in the win, going 3 for 5 with two RBIs.
The Brewers drew first blood in the second inning when Jackson Chourio, another 20-year-old rookie, launched a two-run homer off Padres starter Joe Musgrove. However, the Padres responded with a six-run rally in the fifth inning, fueled by a series of singles and a pitch-clock violation.
Luis Campusano, Tyler Wade, and Xander Bogaerts loaded the bases with consecutive singles to start the inning. Fernando Tatis Jr. then grounded into a fielder’s choice, bringing home one run. A passed ball by catcher William Contreras allowed Wade to score the tying run.
Jake Cronenworth reached on catcher’s interference, loading the bases again. Manny Machado followed with an infield single, driving in Bogaerts with the go-ahead run. Ross struck out Jurickson Profar and had a 3-2 count on Ha-Seong Kim before committing a pitch-clock violation, loading the bases once more.
Merrill, who turns 21 on Friday, singled home two runs, and Campusano added an RBI single before Ross exited the game. The Brewers threatened in the ninth inning, but Robert Suarez retired Sal Frelick on a flyout to left to earn his sixth save.
Musgrove pitched six innings for the Padres, allowing three runs on seven hits and four walks. Ross took the loss for the Brewers, surrendering seven runs (six earned) on nine hits and two walks in 4 2/3 innings.
