Context:

Fernando Tatis Jr. delivered a go-ahead three-run homer and, in his first at-bat with the Padres, Austin Hays added a two-run shot as San Diego defeated Houston 7-2 to take two of three in the series and stay within a game of a National League playoff spot. The rally included Jackson Merrill and Gavin Sheets homers, and Randy Vásquez along with three relievers held the Astros to two hits in a strong pitching performance. The Padres extended their recent strong stretch, moving to 12-4 in 16 games, with Hays’ late contribution sealing the win. Looking ahead, San Diego squares off against Milwaukee while Houston travels to San Francisco to begin a separate series.

Dive Deeper:

• Tatis Jr. supplied the decisive moment with a 421-foot, two-out homer in the fourth inning, giving San Diego a 4-2 lead and showcasing his power after the early deficit.

• Hays, who signed with the Padres earlier in the day, connected in his first at-bat with San Diego to cap a late-innings push, providing insurance with a two-run shot in the eighth.

• Jackson Merrill opened the comeback by homering to straightaway center off Cristian Javier, marking his 18th homer of the season and igniting the Padres’ offense.

• Daulton Varsho hit a two-run homer in the second for the Astros, his eighth of the season and his first since being acquired from Toronto, highlighting the early production against the Padres.

• Randy Vásquez worked five innings, allowing two runs on two hits while retiring his last 10 batters, and was supported by three relievers to complete a two-hitter for the Padres.

• Gavin Sheets added a leadoff homer off AJ Blubaugh in the sixth, his 15th of the season, contributing to the Padres’ dominant run support.

• The win left San Diego one game behind the NL playoff cutoff, while Houston remained atop the AL West, shifting momentum as both teams prepare for upcoming series.