The San Diego Padres took a significant step toward securing a series victory against the San Francisco Giants with an 8-1 win on Wednesday night at their home ballpark. This success was largely fueled by Gavin Sheets, who, despite limited playing time in recent weeks, delivered a remarkable performance by hitting two home runs. Sheets’ contributions helped address some of the team’s ongoing challenges following multiple trades made at last month’s deadline.
With Jackson Merrill sidelined due to an ankle injury, Sheets earned his second consecutive start and capitalized on the opportunity, driving the Padres closer to clinching the four-game series during Thursday’s final game.
Sheets’ Power Display Highlights Career Bests
Wednesday’s game marked the second multi-home run outing of the season for Sheets, setting new personal records with 17 home runs and 58 RBIs. The Padres also reached a milestone by hitting four home runs in a single game at their spacious bayside stadium for the first time since September of the previous year. Both of Sheets’ towering shots came against challenging breaking pitches, which he expertly pulled inside the right field foul pole. His second home run, a three-run blast in the third inning, extended San Diego’s lead to 6-0.
“He’s more than earned his opportunities,”
Padres manager Mike Shildt said of Sheets, who spent his first four years in Major League Baseball with the Chicago White Sox.
“We have a lot of good players, and we’re putting them in the best positions we can. How do you stay sharp, stay engaged? He’s been able to do that.”
Describing his approach at the plate against curveballs, Sheets stated,
“Put your ‘A’ swing on it. Be aggressive and be in the zone.”
Pitching Matchup Set for Series Finale
Looking ahead to the series finale on Thursday afternoon, Sheets is expected to maintain his focus at the plate, while the Padres will turn to right-hander Dylan Cease to face the Giants. Cease, who owns a 5-11 record with a 4.61 ERA this season, aims to rebound after a difficult outing last Saturday when he gave up six walks and five runs in just over three innings during a 6-0 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Padres currently trail the Dodgers by one game in the National League West standings.
Cease has a solid history against the Giants, holding a 3-3 record and 3.11 ERA in seven starts, including a 3-2 loss earlier this season. The Giants will counter with veteran right-hander Justin Verlander, who is coming off his best start of the year. Verlander pitched seven shutout innings against Tampa Bay, allowing only two hits and striking out eight, but did not receive a decision after the bullpen surrendered the lead in the eighth inning.
Giants manager Bob Melvin praised Verlander’s recent form, describing him as,
“Literally a hard-luck pitcher this year. He’s pitched really well in the last month. It was his best stuff of the year.”
Verlander holds a 2-0 record with a 2.95 ERA in three career starts against San Diego.
Giants’ Bullpen Woes and Injury Setbacks Challenge Team
The Giants are seeking length from Verlander after consecutive short outings by starters Landen Roupp and Kai-Wei Teng. Roupp was forced to exit Wednesday’s game after being hit by a 95.7 mph liner in the back of his right leg, resulting in a left knee sprain after only 2 1/3 innings. Teng lasted just 3 1/3 innings during Tuesday’s 5-1 loss. These early departures have put additional pressure on San Francisco’s bullpen, which has struggled to hold leads, particularly during Verlander’s starts, with six blown leads this season.
Offensively, the Giants have managed just six runs throughout the series—all produced via home runs—highlighting difficulties in generating consistent scoring.
Implications of the Series and Outlook
With the Padres riding the momentum from Gavin Sheets’ resurgence and the opportunity to gain ground in the National League West standings, securing a series win over the Giants would strengthen their playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, the Giants must find ways to extend their pitching staff’s effectiveness and spark their offense to keep the series competitive.
The results of Thursday’s matchup between Cease and Verlander could play a decisive role in determining the outcome of this closely contested series, providing a critical test for both teams as the regular season approaches its final stretch.