Padres Highlights: Bogaerts Plays Shortstop, Scores Both Runs in Loss to Reds

Jackson Merrill's strong spring training continues on offense, defense

Xander Bogaerts, filling in at shortstop for Ha-Seong Kim, scored both runs in a 6-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. 

Bogaerts doubled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Fernando Tatis Jr. in the first inning and walked and scored on a Jake Cronenworth double in the third inning.

Jackson Merrill's seventh-inning double was the only other offensive highlight for the Padres, who were limited to five hits and one walk by Graham Ashcraft and three relievers. 

Padres starter Randy Vasquez struggled in his third start of spring training. He allowed eight hits and five runs in 3.2 innings, walked one batter and struck out three.

Vasquez, a candidate for one of the openings in the Padres' starting rotation, has a 6.23 ERA in 8.2 Cactus League innings.

Cincinnati nearly got another run off Vasquez, but Merrill picked up a nifty outfield assist at home plate as he continues his push to make the Padres' Opening Day roster.

Highlights

We agree with @jesseagler, this was beautiful 😍 pic.twitter.com/tcx6TLPbLD

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 6, 2024

Oppo don pic.twitter.com/3sW490IlJO

— Giannis Auntiegotapoodle (@TooMuchMortons_) March 6, 2024

Jackson Merrill out here hyping everyone up in the dugout before today’s game.

This is the type of teammate you want in the clubhouse. #merrillmadness @madfriars pic.twitter.com/RenSYsBk1H

— Robert Escalante (@Mr_Robert9) March 6, 2024

Up Next

The Padres have a day off Thursday and will host the San Francisco Giants on Friday night (5 p.m. PT) at Peoria Sports Complex.