As the 2026 season kicks off, Padres fans have been buzzing about two big mysteries: the unveiling of the new City Connect jerseys and Mason Miller's entrance song. While the jerseys remain under wraps until early April, Miller's choice was revealed on Saturday night. Striding out to the hard-hitting sounds of "Blind" by Korn, Miller struck out two Detroit Tigers, sealing a 3-0 victory and marking the Padres' first win of the season.
Randy Vasquez, the starting pitcher, was nothing short of spectacular. Throughout Spring Training, Vasquez showcased a noticeable uptick in velocity.
His fastball, which averaged 93.5 MPH in 2025, was consistently hitting close to 96 MPH in the Cactus League. In his first regular-season start, he proved this was no fluke, striking out eight and allowing just two hits over six shutout innings.
His performance, coupled with just enough offensive support, earned him a well-deserved win.
With the ball refusing to carry in Downtown San Diego, the Padres turned to small ball tactics. In the 3rd inning, Ramon Laureano smashed a 104 MPH laser off Tigers starter Jack Flaherty.
What seemed destined for the stands ended up in Zach McKinstry's glove at the wall, marking the only time Detroit managed to retire Laureano during his three-hit night. Nick Castellanos followed with a groundout, setting the stage for a classic two-out rally.
Freddy Fermin and Jake Cronenworth both singled to left, and Fermin scored on a line drive single by Fernando Tatis Jr., putting the Padres up 1-0. Tatis then stole second, and when catcher Jake Rogers' throw sailed past second baseman Gleyber Torres into centerfield, Cronenworth scored, extending the lead to 2-0.
An RBI groundout by Jackson Merrill in the 5th inning added another run, but it was just icing on the cake. Kyle Hart delivered two perfect innings, striking out three, paving the way for Miller to electrify the crowd and the radar gun in the 9th.
The Padres enjoy a rare Sunday off before beginning a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night at Petco Park. Fans are eagerly anticipating the debut of longtime Dodger starter Walker Buehler, who is set to take the mound for the Padres.