Padres beat Astros 7-2 behind Tatis Jr.'s three-run homer

Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a go-ahead, three-run homer and pinch-hitter Austin Hays connected for a two-run shot in his first at-bat with San Diego as the Padres beat the AL West-leading Houston Astros 7-2 on Sunday. Jackson Merrill and Gavin Sheets also went deep for the Padres, who took two of three in the series and remained one game out of a National League playoff spot.

This win was a statement for the Padres, who have struggled with injuries and inconsistency this season. San Diego entered the series with Houston as a Wild Card contender, needing to keep pace in a tight NL playoff race. The Astros, meanwhile, are chasing the Rangers for the AL West title and were looking to extend their dominance over the Padres, who beat them in last year’s World Series. Tatis’s return from injury—and Hays’s clutch pinch-hit homer—showed San Diego can still hit when it matters.

The Padres’ offense erupted for seven runs, with Tatis and Hays leading the way. Merrill and Sheets added solo shots, while reliever Robert Suarez shut down Houston’s lineup over three innings to secure the win. The Astros managed just two runs off Clayton Kershaw and three relievers, a rare offensive struggle against a top pitching staff.

San Diego now heads into a crucial stretch with momentum. They face the Rockies and Diamondbacks in a series that could further tighten their playoff push. Meanwhile, Houston’s loss keeps them under pressure in the AL West. For the Padres, this win proves they can still be a force in October—but they’ll need more performances like this to make it happen.