Merrill's 2 homers off Wheeler help the Padres beat the Phillies 5-4
Merrill hadn't homered since May 27, a span of 35 games. He hit a two-run opposite-field shot to left center with one out in the second to tie the game at 2. He appeared relieved and gently pumped his right fist as he rounded first base and then motioned toward the Padres bullpen. His solo shot to right center with one out in the sixth tied the game at 4. Machado's sac fly off Jordan Romano brought in Fernando Tatis Jr., who had greeted Tanner Banks (2-1) with a one-out single.
Wheeler was named to the National League All-Star team but won't pitch because of his start Saturday. He was replaced Friday by San Diego reliever Adrian Morejon. Wheeler allowed four runs and six hits in six innings, struck out six, and walked one. It was just the fourth time in 19 starts this season that Wheeler allowed more than two earned runs. Edmundo Sosa hit a go-ahead two-run single with two outs in the fifth to chase Yu Darvish. It was one inning after Sosa replaced injured third baseman Alec Bohm. Darvish allowed four runs and five hits, struck out two, and walked three. He had been sidelined by right elbow inflammation from spring training until making his season debut on Monday night. David Morgan (1-1) pitched one inning for the win, and Jeremiah Estrada pitched a perfect ninth for his third save.
Key stat: Merrill is the third player with multiple homers in a game against Wheeler, joining Buster Posey (April 20, 2021) and Cody Bellinger (June 19, 2017).
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