Jackson Merrill hit a three-run home run and Kyle Higashioka added a two-run homer in a big fifth inning, leading the San Diego Padres to a 9-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Friday night.
“It was an incredible moment,” Merrill said. “I grew up cheering for the Red Sox, so playing at Fenway Park and hitting a home run here—it’s a surreal feeling.”
In the decisive fifth inning, the Padres sent 13 batters to the plate, scoring nine runs on eight hits and two walks. All nine batters in the Padres’ starting lineup contributed with at least one hit and a run scored.
The nine runs scored in one inning equals the Padres’ highest tally this season. They also scored nine runs in the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals on May 31.
The outburst surpassed Boston’s previous season high of seven runs allowed in an inning, which occurred against the Toronto Blue Jays earlier in the week.
“It was a busy inning,” commented Padres manager Mike Schildt. “We always emphasize scoring more runs whenever possible. Our goal is to keep adding on.”
After Nick Pivetta (4-5) gave up four hits, including Higashioka’s ninth homer of the season, and a walk to start the fifth, he was relieved by Greg Weissert. Weissert struggled, allowing four consecutive hits, including two-run singles to Jake Cronenworth and Donovan Solano, and Merrill’s 11th homer of the season.
