Padres rally late to beat the Nationals 4-3 on June 25. José Iglesias and Martín Maldonado deliver 8th-inning heroics to secure the comeback win for San Diego.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Some teams just have it. That unteachable, unshakable belief that no matter the score, they're never out of the fight. The 2025 San Diego Padres are proving to be one of those teams, and their thrilling 4-3 comeback victory against the Nationals on Wednesday night was a masterclass in late-game execution and pure grit.
Rookie Jackson Merrill, a converted shortstop now patrolling center field, leads the entire Padres team in wins above replacement.
For much of the night, it felt like a frustrating grind. Starter Nick Pivetta battled through six solid innings, striking out seven but leaving with the team trailing. But as Petco Park has seen so many times this season, the late innings belong to the Friars. The rally began in the eighth, with catcher Martín Maldonado delivering the crucial game-tying RBI. Moments later, veteran infielder José Iglesias stepped up and laced the go-ahead single, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Fernando Tatis Jr. did his part, going 2-for-4 with a double, and Robert Suarez slammed the door in the ninth for his 18th save, securing a vital 42nd win.
The team's never-say-die attitude is personified by its most valuable player: rookie Jackson Merrill. While he wasn't the hero on the scoresheet Wednesday, his presence is the backbone of this club's success. Leading the team in Wins Above Replacement while flawlessly transitioning from shortstop to center field is remarkable enough. But it's his uncanny ability to deliver in high-leverage situations that has defined his season. In a recent interview, Merrill credited his success to a simple, focused approach, emphasizing his ability to stay calm in the storm of late-game pressure. That mentality is clearly infectious.
The big league club is also getting a boost. Right-handed pitcher Ryan Bergert, a fast-riser from the farm, made his MLB debut this week, offering a versatile new weapon for the bullpen or as a spot starter. His arrival provides needed depth as the grind of the season continues. Looking further ahead, the future of the organization rests on the shoulders of a few elite talents. Shortstop Leo De Vries is living up to the hype as the system's top prospect, while catcher Ethan Salas is making strides at the plate to match his elite defense. Beyond them, however, the system is notably thin, placing even more importance on the current big-league core to keep the wins coming.
This win was more than just another tally in the column; it was a statement. It showed that with a blend of veteran savvy from players like Iglesias and Maldonado, and the game-changing talent of a rookie like Merrill, this team is built for the pressure cooker of a pennant race. As they continue their push in the NL West, one thing is certain: don't turn the game off early, because the 2025 Padres are always ready to put on a show.
