Brant Schwartz – Fernando Tatis Jr. delivered a spectacular all-around performance Tuesday night, helping the San Diego Padres defeat the New York Mets 5-2 at Citi Field and end the Mets’ four-game winning streak.
Tatis made an immediate impact, launching a two-run home run on the first pitch he saw from Mets rookie Zac Thornton. He struck again in the fifth inning, sending another two-run homer to the opposite field. The two blasts accounted for four of San Diego’s five runs.
But Tatis’ biggest play came with his glove. In the second inning, Francisco Lindor appeared to have hit a grand slam after the Mets loaded the bases. Tatis raced toward the right-field wall and made an outstanding leaping catch, taking away four potential runs and keeping the Padres in control.
The Mets struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, finishing 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position. Luis Torrens and Luis Robert Jr. each hit solo home runs, but the offense could not produce enough against San Diego’s pitching.
Thornton allowed three runs over five innings and struck out seven, continuing a strong stretch in which he has surrendered three earned runs or fewer in eight consecutive starts.
For the Padres, however, the night belonged to Tatis, whose power at the plate and game-changing defensive play proved decisive in the 5-2 victory.
