Fernando Tatis Jr. delivered a game-winning single in the 10th inning, leading the San Diego Padres to a 6-5 win against the Detroit Tigers

Fernando Tatis Jr. celebrates after hitting a single in the 10th inning

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.

ā€œA very long time,ā€ 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. ā€œI’m happy it came here.ā€

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.

Trey Sweeney runs the bases after hitting a home run

ā€œI took it personal,ā€ Tatis said. ā€œAs 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.ā€

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.

ā€œIt 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,ā€ said Tatis, who threw the jersey into the stands.

Asked about the decision to walk Arraez to face Tatis, Merrill said: ā€œI get it, but go ahead, good luck. Walk him to get to Tatis.ā€

Manager Mike Shildt commented: ā€œOh 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.ā€

Jeremiah Estrada (5-2) got the win by pitching the 10th inning.