Jackson Merrill broke out of a slump with two home runs off All-Star Zack Wheeler, and Manny Machado hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the seventh inning for the San Diego Padres, who won their

Jackson Merrill was enduring the worst slump of his lift. He was 3-for-42, nary an extra-base hit to be found. Through it all Padres manager Mike Shildt said he knew his 22-year-old superstar would eventually snap out of it.

The first half of the season concludes Sunday, and the Padres now have evidence for their professed faith that Jackson Merrill will return to being a significant contributor in the second half With a game that was reminiscent of how he finished last season and began this one,