Jurickson Profar played a crucial role for the San Diego Padres in their victory against the Texas Rangers, a day after he was selected as a starter for the All-Star Game. Profar hit his 12th home run, scored twice, and made a key defensive play by throwing out a runner at home plate. This win was significant as it came against his former team, the Rangers, who will also host the upcoming All-Star Game.
“We always wish success for great guys, and it’s amazing to see him perform so well,” said Padres pitcher Michael King. “I’m really proud of him for becoming an All-Star, and he’s still playing at a high level even after the voting.”
Rangers rookie Wyatt Langford also made notable defensive plays and contributed with an RBI single for their lone run.
Profar had two hits and scored both times against Max Scherzer (1-2), a three-time Cy Young Award winner who was making only his third start of the season due to offseason surgery and subsequent rehab challenges. Profar singled and scored in the fourth inning, then hit a home run in the sixth to give the Padres a 2-0 lead.
“Just doing what I’ve been doing all season, trying to contribute to wins for my team,” said Profar, who has a .317 batting average with 56 RBIs this season.
His defensive highlight came in the fourth inning when he threw out Adolis García trying to score on a single, preserving San Diego’s narrow 1-0 lead.
“His throw was right on target, holding the momentum for us,” commented Padres manager Mike Shildt. “He did a great job both defensively and offensively.”
Michael King (7-5) pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing one run and striking out five batters. Robert Suarez secured his 22nd save of the season despite a leadoff walk in the ninth inning.
Scherzer gave up three runs on six hits over 6 1/3 innings, with three strikeouts and a walk. The veteran right-hander threw 61 of his 90 pitches for strikes.
