Fernando Tatis Jr. hit an RBI single with two outs in the 10th inning to give the San Diego Padres a 6-5 win over the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night.
In his second game back after being on the injured list since June 22, Tatis hit a single to left field off Jason Foley (3-5), scoring automatic runner Jackson Merrill. Merrill had earlier hit a three-run homer in the fourth inning and was a triple away from a cycle as the Padres came back from a 5-0 deficit.
This was Tatis’ first career walk-off hit.
“A very long time,” Tatis said, reflecting on his journey since reaching the majors in 2019 and missing the entire 2022 season due to injuries and a PED suspension. “I’m happy it came here.”
Tatis had been out with a stress reaction in his right thighbone from June 22 until Monday.
The Tigers walked Luis Arraez intentionally to face Tatis.
“I took it personal,” Tatis said. “As soon as I saw four fingers up. But I felt the push I needed, the energy I needed and I just wanted to come through for the boys.”
During the celebration near third base, Tatis’ jersey was ripped off. He said half of it came off during the celebration, and he finished tearing it himself.
“It just happened. I saw dark and then I had no shirt. It was beautiful. Hopefully it comes more. Just a great moment all the way around,” said Tatis, who threw the jersey into the stands.
Asked about the decision to walk Arraez to face Tatis, Merrill said: “I get it, but go ahead, good luck. Walk him to get to Tatis.”
Manager Mike Shildt commented: “Oh man, what a big moment. I don’t think there was any real doubt he was going to come through. It felt pretty right. Good for him. He had really good at-bats tonight.”
Jeremiah Estrada (5-2) got the win by pitching the 10th inning.
