On Wednesday’s podcast, Paul Hoynes and Joe Noga look at how San Diego has flipped Guards Ball on its head and dominated Cleveland in the first two games of the series against the Padres. Listen and read along with an AI-generated transcript of the podcast below.

Jackson Merrill hit a two-run home run a few hours after finalizing a $135 million, nine-year contract and the San Diego Padres started 7-0 for the first time in their 57-season history by beating the Cleveland Guardians 5-2.

Stephen Vogt knows that the Cleveland Guardians are a better team than what they showed against the San Diego Padres.

For those inclined to fret about the Guardians’ offensive slumber during a three-game sweep at the hands of the Padres, Nolan Jones has some perspective. “We’re six games in,” Jones reminded. Meaning,

Michael King struck out 11 in five innings and Jackson Merrill homered for the San Diego Padres, who started 6-0 for the first time in their 57-season history by beating the Cleveland Guardians 7-0.

The San Diego Padres reportedly signed star outfielder Jackson Merrill to a nine-year, $135 million contract extension after he finished second in the NL Rookie of the Year race.