SAN DIEGO -- The Padres evened their series with the Astros with a 3-2 win on Saturday at Petco Park.
Michael King was solid, throwing six strong innings as he gave up just one run on three hits. He struck out six, with a walk, and finished with a flourish as he retired the final seven batters he faced.
Jackson Merrill continued his second-half surge with his 17th homer on the year and the seventh in his last 20 games.
The Astros loaded the bases with two outs in the seventh, but reliever Adrian Morejon, after issuing a walk, struck out pinch-hitter Jake Meyers to squash the rally.
The Padres won for the sixth time in their last nine games.