The Padres and Mets played the final game of their three-game series on Wednesday at Citi Field. New York took the first game with a score of 2-1, and San Diego took the middle game by a score of 5-2, thanks to Fernando Tatis Jr.‘s grand slam robbery.

Michael King started the game for San Diego. In King’s last seven starts, he’s pitched to an ERA of 3.15 in 40 innings.

Former Padre Robert Stock started for the Mets. Going into Wednesday, Stock has an ERA of 6.57 in a minimal 12 1/3 innings. Stock has struggled to keep men off base, with his WHIP of 1.87.

Lining up for the rubber game

Tatis Jr., who hit two home runs and drove in three runs on Tuesday, is back in the leadoff spot.

Good morning ☀️ pic.twitter.com/rskCYY8Arm

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 19, 2026

Two out walk comes to bite King

Michael King walks Bo Bichette on a full count with two outs in the fourth. The next batter, Carson Benge, takes him deep the other way for the first runs of the day.

Season HR #15 for Carson Benge.
Ranks T-94 in MLB.#Benge #Mets pic.twitter.com/yifCYLYbvn

— Every Dinger HQ (@EveryDinger) August 19, 2026

Padres respond

Robert Stock held the Padres’ bats without a hit going into the top of the fifth inning. This changed with a pair of doubles by Xander Bogaerts and Fernando Tatis Jr., which got San Diego on the board.

Fernando Tatis Jr.stays hot, puts the #padres on the board with an RBI double

2-1 Mets #forthefaithful pic.twitter.com/P7NDIJiVKP

— Padres Highlights (@FriarHighlights) August 19, 2026

King’s outing

Besides the pitch to Carson Benge that led to the only Mets runs, King was great. King tossed 6 2/3 innings, allowing just two earned runs on four hits, walking two, and striking out four. The right-hander was very economical with his pitches early on into his outing, leading to one of his longer starts of 2026. King threw an even 100 pitches, with 63 of them coming for strikes.

More defense from Tatis Jr.

An outfield assist by Fernando Tatis Jr. to keep the game at 2-1.

Fernando Tatis Jr. HOSES Francisco Alvarez at home to keep this a 1-run game#padres down 2-1 to the Mets heading to the top 8th pic.twitter.com/PemjpGjMNG

— Padres Highlights (@FriarHighlights) August 19, 2026

Mets pull away in the eighth

Jeremiah Estrada, who finished the seventh inning, would be the arm that started the eighth inning. A walk to A.J. Ewing and a single by Francisco Lindor put runners on the corners with an out in the inning. The next batter, Bichette, hits a grounder to Sung-Mun Song at shortstop, in what should have been an inning double play. Instead, Song throws it away, and Ewing scores the Mets’ third run.

That would be the end of Estrada’s day, as Yuki Matsui would enter. Jared Young singled with two outs to score Bichette and make the score now 4-1, Mets.

Senga saves the game

Transitioning from a starter to a closer midseason, Kodai Senga has been great in his new role. The Padres made some noise in the ninth. A single walk and a single led to a run, making the score 4-2 late. Pinch-hitter Austin Hays came into the game with runners on the corners and one out away. Hays grounded into a double play to end the game. Senga notched his fourth save of 2026.

Recap

Rookie Nate Lavender received his first career win.

Michael King and his strong outing is credited with the loss, due to the lack of offense.

New Mets closer Kodai Senga gets the save.

San Diego is now 68-60 on the year.

The Mets’ hot streak continues as they take the series at home against the Padres and improve to 58-70.

The Padres conclude their six-game roadtrip consisting of Cleveland and New York, 3-3.

Back at home on Friday

After the game on Wednesday, the Padres will travel back home to San Diego and have the day off on Thursday. They’ll be back in action on Friday for the start of a three-game series vs. the Minnesota Twins. San Diego’s starter is to be determined. Left-hander Connor Prielipp will start for Minnesota. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM PT.

Angel Flores

Angel grew up a San Diego sports fan, following the Padres, SDSU athletics, San Diego FC, as well as the Chargers. He is currently a student at San Diego State University, majoring in Journalism with an emphasis in Public relations.