Fernando Tatis Jr. robs a grand slam and hits 2 homers in Padres’ 5-2 win over Mets

NEW YORK (AP) — Fernando Tatis Jr. robbed New York’s Francisco Lindor of a grand slam and hit two homers, leading the San Diego Padres to a 5-2 win over the Mets on Tuesday night.

Tatis hit the first pitch from Zac Thornton 452 feet into the second deck in left field for his team-record 18th career leadoff homer. Tatis added a two-run homer off Thornton in the fifth. He has 15 homers after opening the season without a longball in his first 238 at-bats.

But, Tatis’ biggest contribution in the game came in the field in the second inning when reached over the wall in in right field and pulled back Lindor’s potential slam. Tatis stood and stared straight ahead when he landed, leaving everyone momentarily confused as to whether he’d caught the ball. Tatis then help up his glove and Padres pitcher Robbie Ray raised his arms and put his own glove on his head.

Tatis’ leaping catch came a night after Mets outfielders Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing combined to throw out three Padres players at the plate.

Ty France added a run-scoring single in the seventh for the Padres, who lead the majors with an 18-6 record since July 24. Manny Machado hit his 24th homer of the season, a solo shot in the ninth inning.

Ray (11-7) allowed three hits, including Luis Torrens’ homer, and struck out four in six innings on the way to his first win since being acquired from the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline. Mason Miller struck out two in the ninth and earned his 31st save.

New York’s Luis Robert Jr. homered in the eighth.

Thornton (3-4) gave up three runs and tied a career-high with seven strikeouts in five innings for the Mets, who are 10-4 since the trade deadline.

Up next

Padres RHP Michael King (8-8, 3.41 ERA) starts against Mets RHP Robert Stock (0-2, 6.57 ERA) in Wednesday’s series finale.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Fernando Tatis Jr. robs a grand slam and hits 2 homers in Padres' 5-2 win over Mets | iNFOnews.ca
San Diego Padres’ Robbie Ray (38) throws against the New York Mets during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
Fernando Tatis Jr. robs a grand slam and hits 2 homers in Padres' 5-2 win over Mets | iNFOnews.ca
San Diego Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. reacts after hitting a two run home run against the New York Mets during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
Fernando Tatis Jr. robs a grand slam and hits 2 homers in Padres' 5-2 win over Mets | iNFOnews.ca
New York Mets pitcher Zac Thornton throws against the San Diego Padres during the third inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
Fernando Tatis Jr. robs a grand slam and hits 2 homers in Padres' 5-2 win over Mets | iNFOnews.ca
San Diego Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. celebrates with Ty France (25) after hitting a home run against the New York Mets during the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press


The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.