Padres End Losing Streak as Freddy Fermin Hits First Homer in Win Over Mets

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The San Diego Padres found their momentum again Saturday night, thanks to light-hitting catcher Freddy Fermin, who hit his first home run of the season in a 3-2 victory against the New York Mets, breaking a six-game losing streak.

Fermin's pivotal two-run homer came in the seventh inning off reliever Austin Warren (1-2), breaking a slump where he had gone hitless in his last 30 at-bats. The homer overshadowed a strong outing by Mets rookie Nolan McLean, who allowed just one run, alongside three hits and three walks over six innings.

The Mets had a promising opportunity in the eighth inning with two runners on base and one out, but a sharp line drive from Juan Soto was caught by second baseman Sung-Mun Song, who then initiated a double play by throwing to shortstop Xander Bogaerts to catch Carson Benge at second.

Despite surrendering a solo home run to Marcus Semien, who broke a 1-for-15 slump with a single earlier in the game, Bradgley Rodriguez (1-2) earned the win after pitching the seventh inning. Mason Miller secured the victory by closing out the ninth without allowing a hit for his 18th save.

Padres starter Griffin Canning pitched effectively against his former team, giving up one run on three hits while walking two and striking out six across five innings. San Diego had previously tied the game in the third when Song, after walking, stole second and scored on a grounder from Fernando Tatis Jr. that deflected off second base.

The Mets took an early lead in the second inning thanks to a two-out RBI single from Brett Baty. Looking ahead, the Padres will send right-hander Randy Vásquez (5-3, 3.31 ERA) to the mound in the series finale on Sunday, while the Mets have yet to announce their starter.