Jackson Merrill Homers, Randy Vásquez Fans 9 as Padres Shut Out Rockies 2-0 in Series Opener

Friday, September 12th, 2025

San Diego Padres Secure 2-0 Victory over Colorado Rockies to Open Four-Game Series

The San Diego Padres started their four-game series against the Colorado Rockies with a commanding 2-0 win on Thursday night. Jackson Merrill delivered a home run, and Randy Vásquez set a career high with nine strikeouts across six strong innings, propelling the Padres to victory at home.

Padres Gain Ground in NL West Race

With this victory, the Padres closed the gap in the National League West, moving within 2.5 games of the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers. The win also strengthened their postseason prospects, expanding their lead over the New York Mets to four games for the second of three NL Wild Card spots.

Game Summary

After dropping their recent home series against Cincinnati and managing only four wins in their last eleven games, San Diego capitalized on this opportunity against the struggling Rockies. Despite having one of the league's easiest remaining schedules, the Padres had stumbled in series against Minnesota and Baltimore, before recovering momentum by taking two of three games in Colorado last weekend.

Key Performances

Jackson Merrill provided the game's offensive highlight with an opposite-field homer to left field in the fourth inning, his 11th home run of the season, off Rockies pitcher McCade Brown. That homer gave San Diego a 2-0 lead. Earlier, Luis Arraez had singled home Freddy Fermin in the third inning, providing the Padres with their initial run.

Starting pitcher Randy Vásquez was dominant, limiting Colorado to just four hits without issuing a walk through six innings. His nine strikeouts eclipsed his previous career best of six. Vásquez improved his season record to 5-6.

Key Moment

The Padres bullpen was equally effective, closing out the game by not allowing a single hit over the final three innings. Robert Suarez was particularly sharp, retiring the side in the ninth on just nine pitches and notching his National League-leading 37th save of the year.

Stat of the Game

Jackson Merrill has now hit four of his last five home runs, dating back to July 12, to the opposite field, underscoring his versatility at the plate.

Looking Ahead

Game two of the series will feature Rockies right-hander Tanner Gordon (5-6, 6.60 ERA) facing off against Padres lefty JP Sears (8-10, 5.01 ERA) on Friday night.

In summary

The San Diego Padres opened their series against the Colorado Rockies with a shutout victory, highlighted by Jackson Merrill’s home run and a stellar pitching performance from Randy Vásquez. By closing the gap in both the NL West and Wild Card chase, the Padres bolstered their playoff aspirations. Padres fans can look forward to a favorable schedule ahead as the team pushes toward the postseason.

MLB Schedules

Today's MLB Games

There are no baseball games today.

Tomorrow's MLB Games

There are no baseball games tomorrow.

Yesterday's MLB Games

There were no baseball games yesterday.