San Diego Padres: Francisco Mejia’s Walk Off Grand Slam

The San Diego Padres salvaged a game against the Texas Rangers, thanks to the late-game heroics of a certain rookie.

San Diego Padres rookie catcher Francisco Mejia has already had his “welcome to the big leagues” moment, at least we thought he did. On Sunday afternoon, against the Texas Rangers, the 22-year-old switch hitting catcher climbed into the batter’s box, from the right side, and took the first pitch he saw against Jeffrey Springs deep to left field for a walk-off grand slam!

In what was originally just another game, Jacob Nix worked six solid innings, giving up three runs on seven hits while striking out three. Per usual, it appeared as if the offense behind him was going to provide little support.

However, things seemed to get a little interesting, starting in the bottom of the seventh inning. Manuel Margot tripled in the seventh to pull the Padres to within one run. The Friars had an opportunity to take the lead in the bottom of the eighth but failed to capitalize.

Cory Spangenberg and Mejia both walked to lead off the inning. Unfortunately, a Wil Myers strikeout and a Hunter Renfroe GIDP would end the inning with the Padres still trailing by one.

Then the fireworks came. After Trey Wingenter recorded the first out of the 9th inning with a 99 mph heater, Robinson Chirinos was awarded a hit by pitch, despite the pitch clearly hitting the knob of his bat and rolling to Wingenter who tagged first base for the out. After a discussion with New York and an ejection of Andy Green, the call on the field stood as a HBP.

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With bases loaded and one out, it appeared as if the San Diego Padres were heading for a three-game sweep by the hands of the Texas Rangers. Kirby Yates had other plans, producing a strikeout and a soft line-drive out to end the frame.

Franmil Reyes continued his hot-hitting ways, sending an 0-1 pitch into right field to start what would become a five-run ninth inning. An RBI-double by Freddy Galvis would tie the game before back-to-back walks by Cory Spangenberg and A.J. Ellis loaded the bases for Mejia, with two outs.

Before Mejia stepped into the batter’s box, Mark Sweeney pointed out Mejia’s fascination with the first pitch and sure enough…..

It was the first walk-off hit of Mejia’s career, giving him three home runs on the year and the Padres win number 60 on the season.

Welcome to the Padres, again!