San Diego Padres 2, Miami Marlins 1: Merrill, Maldonado Deliver Narrow Win (July 21, 2025)

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025

The San Diego Padres secured a narrow 2-1 victory over the Miami Marlins on Monday, July 21, 2025, thanks to crucial second-inning RBIs from Jackson Merrill and Martín Maldonado.

Jackson Merrill opened the scoring for the Padres with an RBI single that brought home Xander Bogaerts. Martín Maldonado followed with a double down the left-field line off Marlins starter Eury Pérez (3-3), scoring Merrill from first and extending San Diego's lead to 2-0.

Miami responded in the fourth inning when Kyle Stowers launched a solo home run off Padres starter Randy Vásquez, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Stowers, who has been on a remarkable power surge with an MLB-best 12 homers since June 22, connected on a 1-0 changeup for his 22nd home run of the season, traveling 400 feet to left-center.

Vásquez pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing one run on seven hits, with one walk and no strikeouts. He exited in the fifth with a runner on first and one out, but Adrian Morejon (8-4) entered in relief and got the final two outs of the inning, securing the win. Robert Suarez then closed out the game, recording his 29th save of the season by retiring the final three outs.

For the Marlins, Eury Pérez pitched five innings, striking out five batters while surrendering two runs on five hits.

Despite Xavier Edwards collecting three of Miami's eight hits, the Marlins struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, going 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position.

Key Moment

In a crucial sequence in the fifth inning, after Xavier Edwards singled against Randy Vásquez, Adrian Morejon entered in relief. Morejon effectively shut down the Marlins' threat by striking out Jesús Sánchez and inducing a groundout from Otto Lopez, preserving the Padres' slim lead.

Key Statistic

The San Diego Padres have been involved in 56 games decided by two runs or fewer this season, including seven of their last ten contests, marking the second-highest such total in Major League Baseball.

Up Next

Looking ahead, RHP Edward Cabrera (3-4, 3.61 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Miami Marlins on Tuesday. The San Diego Padres have yet to announce their starting pitcher for the upcoming game.

In summary

In summary, the San Diego Padres defeated the Miami Marlins 2-1 on July 21, 2025, in a tightly contested MLB game. The Padres' victory was powered by second-inning RBIs from Jackson Merrill and Martín Maldonado. Padres pitching, led by Randy Vásquez, Adrian Morejon (who earned the win), and closer Robert Suarez (29th save), held the Marlins to a single run—a solo home run by Kyle Stowers. Despite three hits from Xavier Edwards, the Marlins failed to convert with runners in scoring position, contributing to their narrow loss at home.

Related Links

• San Diego Padres News & Updates
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• Miami Marlins News & Updates
• Miami Marlins Schedule & Scores
• MLB News