Houston Astros vs Padres Match Player Stats
The houston astros vs padres match player stats from August 10, 2026, tell the story of an impressive offensive performance by San Diego and a difficult afternoon for Houston’s pitching staff. The San Diego Padres defeated the Houston Astros 7-2 at Petco Park, finishing the three-game series with a 2-1 victory. Four different Padres players hit home runs, while their pitching staff limited Houston to just two hits across nine innings.
The final score did not fully explain how the game unfolded. San Diego built its advantage through timely power hitting, starting with a home run in the second inning before delivering a decisive three-run fourth. Additional home runs in the sixth and eighth innings extended the lead and kept Houston from building any momentum.
For Houston, D. Varsho provided the team’s biggest offensive moment with a two-run home run. However, the Astros struggled to create additional scoring opportunities. Their offense finished with two hits, two runs, no walks, and five strikeouts.
This breakdown examines the complete player performances, batting numbers, pitching statistics, home runs, inning-by-inning scoring, and the most important moments from the matchup. It also explains what the numbers reveal about San Diego’s victory and Houston’s offensive struggles.
Houston Astros vs Padres Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The August 10 matchup brought together two competitive MLB teams at Petco Park in San Diego, California. Both clubs entered the game looking to finish the series positively, but the Padres controlled most of the contest.
San Diego recorded 12 hits and seven runs without committing an error. Houston managed only two hits and could not maintain offensive pressure after its second-inning scoring opportunity.
Final Score and Match Information
| Game Detail | Information |
| Matchup | Houston Astros vs San Diego Padres |
| Date | August 10, 2026 |
| Competition | Major League Baseball |
| Venue | Petco Park |
| Location | San Diego, California |
| Final Score | Padres 7, Astros 2 |
| Winning Team | San Diego Padres |
| Losing Team | Houston Astros |
| Attendance | 40,160 |
| Game Duration | 2 hours, 17 minutes |
| Game ID | 401816466 |
| Winning Pitcher | R. Vasquez |
| Losing Pitcher | C. Javier |
| Series Result | Padres won 2-1 |
The attendance of 40,160 showed strong support for the home team. The game lasted two hours and 17 minutes, making it a relatively quick contest despite the seven runs and five home runs.
Team Batting Comparison
The difference between the two offenses was one of the clearest features of this game.
| Batting Category | Houston Astros | San Diego Padres |
| At-Bats | 29 | 36 |
| Runs | 2 | 7 |
| Hits | 2 | 12 |
| RBIs | 2 | 7 |
| Home Runs | 1 | 4 |
| Walks | 0 | 1 |
| Strikeouts | 5 | 6 |
| Errors | 0 | 0 |
| Team RISP | 1-for-1 | 1-for-3 |
San Diego collected ten more hits than Houston and scored five additional runs. The Padres also hit three more home runs.
An important detail is that Houston actually went 1-for-1 with runners in scoring position, while San Diego finished 1-for-3. This shows why batting average with runners in scoring position should not be considered separately from overall offensive production.
The Astros converted their limited opportunity, but they did not generate enough baserunners to create a sustained scoring threat. San Diego, meanwhile, produced four home runs and repeatedly changed the scoreboard with extra-base power.
Inning-by-Inning Scoring Breakdown
The scoring pattern provides a clearer understanding of how the Padres established control.
| Inning | Astros | Padres |
| First | 0 | 0 |
| Second | 2 | 1 |
| Third | 0 | 0 |
| Fourth | 0 | 3 |
| Fifth | 0 | 0 |
| Sixth | 0 | 1 |
| Seventh | 0 | 0 |
| Eighth | 0 | 2 |
| Ninth | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 2 | 7 |
Houston scored both of its runs in the second inning. The Padres responded with one run in the same inning and then took control with three runs in the fourth.
San Diego added one more run in the sixth and two in the eighth. Houston did not score again after its second-inning production.
First Inning: Both Teams Start Quietly
Neither offense scored in the opening inning. The first three outs provided an opportunity for both starting pitchers to settle into the game.
At this stage, the scoreboard remained level, and neither team had established a meaningful advantage.
Second Inning: Varsho and Merrill Go Deep
The second inning introduced the game’s first major offensive action.
- Varsho hit a 395-foot home run to right-center field for Houston. The home run brought Trammell across the plate and gave the Astros two runs.
San Diego answered with a solo home run from J. Merrill. His 411-foot shot to center field reduced Houston’s lead and gave the Padres an early indication of their power potential.
The inning ended with Houston ahead 2-1, but the Padres had already shown that they could respond with extra-base hitting.
Third Inning: Pitchers Prevent Further Scoring
The third inning passed without a run from either side.
After the offensive activity in the previous inning, both teams were unable to add to their totals. Houston still held a narrow advantage, but the Padres were preparing for their biggest scoring inning.
Fourth Inning: Tatis Jr. Changes the Game
The fourth inning was arguably the most important offensive period of the contest.
Fernando Tatis Jr. launched a 421-foot home run to left field. The hit scored L. Rengifo and F. Fermin along with Tatis Jr., producing three runs.
This home run gave San Diego the lead and changed the direction of the game.
Rather than relying on several singles and difficult baserunning situations, the Padres created a major scoring opportunity through one powerful swing. The three-run homer also increased the pressure on Houston’s pitching staff.
San Diego moved ahead 4-2.
Fifth Inning: San Diego Maintains Its Advantage
Neither team scored in the fifth inning.
- Vasquez completed five innings for San Diego, allowing two hits and two earned runs. Although Houston had produced two runs against him, the Padres had already built enough offensive support to put themselves in a favorable position.
Sixth Inning: Gavin Sheets Adds Another Home Run
San Diego continued its power-hitting performance in the sixth.
- Sheets hit a 393-foot home run to right field, extending the Padres’ lead to 5-2.
This was the third home run recorded by a Padres hitter in the game. It also demonstrated that the team’s offensive production was not dependent on one individual.
Different players continued to contribute at important moments.
Seventh Inning: Houston Remains Scoreless
The seventh inning brought no additional runs.
Houston continued to struggle against the Padres’ relief pitching. The Astros needed multiple baserunners to create a realistic comeback opportunity, but they could not find the offensive rhythm required.
Eighth Inning: Austin Hays Extends the Lead
Austin Hays delivered another home run for San Diego in the eighth inning.
His 361-foot shot to left field scored Bowen and increased the Padres’ advantage to 7-2.
This was the fourth home run by a San Diego player and the final scoring play of the game.
Ninth Inning: Padres Complete the Victory
Neither team scored in the final inning.
San Diego protected its five-run advantage and completed a 7-2 victory. The result gave the Padres the series win, two games to one.
Houston Astros Player Stats and Batting Analysis
Houston’s offense produced only two hits, making it difficult to compete against San Diego’s 12-hit performance.
The biggest positive for the Astros was D. Varsho’s two-run home run. His contribution accounted for all of Houston’s runs in the game.
D. Varsho Delivers Houston’s Main Offensive Highlight
| Statistic | Performance |
| At-Bats | 3 |
| Hits | 1 |
| Runs | 1 |
| RBIs | 2 |
| Home Runs | 1 |
| Home Run Distance | 395 feet |
Varsho delivered Houston’s most important offensive contribution with a 395-foot home run to right-center field.
His hit brought Trammell home and temporarily gave the Astros a 2-0 advantage. It was a strong individual result, especially considering that Houston managed only two hits throughout the contest.
However, one productive at-bat could not compensate for the team’s overall lack of offensive opportunities.
The Astros needed more hitters to reach base and extend innings. Without that additional production, the Padres’ pitching staff could focus on controlling individual matchups rather than managing repeated scoring threats.
Houston’s Limited Offensive Production
The team’s final batting line was particularly concerning.
Houston recorded:
- 29 at-bats.
- Two total hits.
- Two runs.
- Two runs batted in.
- One home run.
- Zero walks.
- Five strikeouts.
The absence of walks is an important part of the offensive story.
Walks can extend innings, increase pitch counts, and create opportunities for the next hitter. Houston did not receive that additional help from the Padres’ pitching staff.
The Astros also struggled to put together consecutive productive plate appearances. Although Varsho delivered a home run, the team did not generate enough additional contact to change the outcome.
Why Houston Struggled to Build Momentum
There are three important statistical reasons behind Houston’s offensive difficulties.
- Very few hits
Two hits across 29 at-bats is not enough to consistently threaten a defense. The Padres could attack the strike zone without facing a constant stream of baserunners.
- No walks
Houston did not receive a free pass during the game. That reduced its ability to create additional scoring opportunities without recording a hit.
- Limited offensive support
Varsho supplied the major offensive moment, but the overall team production remained low. A successful home run becomes less influential when the rest of the lineup cannot extend innings.
These factors explain why the Astros scored twice but remained scoreless for the final seven innings.
San Diego Padres Player Stats and Batting Analysis
San Diego’s offense was the strongest part of the game. The Padres recorded 12 hits, seven runs, seven RBIs, and four home runs.
Four players contributed home runs, giving the team several different sources of power.
Fernando Tatis Jr. Leads the Padres Offense
<PRIVATE_PERSON> Tatis Jr. delivered the most productive individual performance for San Diego.
| Statistic | Performance |
| At-Bats | 5 |
| Hits | 2 |
| Runs | 1 |
| RBIs | 3 |
| Home Runs | 1 |
| Doubles | 1 |
| Season RBI Total | 54 |
Tatis Jr. finished 2-for-5 with one run, three RBIs, and a home run.
His biggest contribution came in the fourth inning, when he hit a 421-foot home run to left field. The hit brought home two additional runners and gave San Diego a 4-2 lead.
That swing was especially important because it changed the Padres from a team trailing early to a team controlling the scoreboard.
Tatis also recorded a double, giving him another extra-base hit during the contest.
His three RBIs represented the highest individual RBI total among the Padres hitters listed in the supplied box score.
Jackson Merrill Adds Power
| Statistic | Performance |
| At-Bats | 4 |
| Hits | 2 |
| Runs | 1 |
| RBIs | 1 |
| Home Runs | 1 |
| Home Run Distance | 411 feet |
Merrill finished 2-for-4 with one run, one RBI, and one home run.
His 411-foot home run in the second inning was an important response to Houston’s early scoring.
The Astros had just taken a 2-0 lead through Varsho’s home run. Merrill’s solo shot reduced that advantage to one run and helped San Diego remain within reach.
His two hits also contributed to the Padres’ overall advantage in contact production.
Gavin Sheets Provides Another Important Home Run
| Statistic | Performance |
| At-Bats | 2 |
| Hits | 1 |
| Runs | 1 |
| RBIs | 1 |
| Home Runs | 1 |
| Walks | 1 |
| Home Run Distance | 393 feet |
| Season RBI Total | 44 |
Sheets recorded one hit in two at-bats, along with one run, one RBI, one home run, and one walk.
His sixth-inning home run traveled 393 feet to right field.
The additional walk was also useful because it showed that his contribution was not limited to power hitting.
Sheets helped the Padres extend their lead after the crucial fourth-inning home run from Tatis Jr.
Austin Hays Completes the Four-Homer Performance
| Statistic | Performance |
| At-Bats | 1 |
| Hits | 1 |
| Runs | 1 |
| RBIs | 2 |
| Home Runs | 1 |
| Home Run Distance | 361 feet |
| Season RBI Total | 9 |
Hays delivered one of the game’s final major moments.
His eighth-inning home run traveled 361 feet to left field and scored Bowen. The play increased San Diego’s lead to 7-2.
Although Hays had only one recorded at-bat in the supplied statistics, he made that opportunity count.
His two RBIs were particularly valuable because they extended the Padres’ advantage late in the game.
Other Padres Batting Performances
San Diego received useful contributions from several other players.
| Player | At-Bats | Hits | Runs | RBIs |
| J. Cronenworth | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| M. Machado | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| T. France | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| L. Rengifo | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| F. Fermin | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
- Rengifo and F. Fermin each recorded two hits. Both also scored during Tatis Jr.’s three-run home run in the fourth inning.
Their ability to reach base helped create the situation that allowed Tatis to produce a game-changing swing.
Manny Machado and T. France each recorded one hit. Although neither appeared among the leading RBI contributors, their hits added to San Diego’s overall offensive production.
Cronenworth finished without a hit in four at-bats. His individual result was less productive, but the Padres’ balanced lineup ensured that one player’s struggles did not prevent the team from scoring.
What Made San Diego’s Batting Performance Effective?
The Padres did not rely on a single player to carry the offense.
Their production came from several different parts of the lineup:
- Tatis Jr. supplied three RBIs.
- Merrill provided an early response with a home run.
- Sheets extended the lead in the sixth.
- Hays added two more runs in the eighth.
- Rengifo and Fermin each collected two hits.
The four home runs were especially important because they produced scoring without requiring San Diego to string together several consecutive hits.
That combination of contact and power made the Padres difficult to contain.
Pitching Performance: Houston Astros vs Padres
Pitching was another major difference between the teams.
San Diego allowed only two hits and two earned runs across nine innings. Houston surrendered 12 hits and seven earned runs over eight innings.
The Padres also completed the game without issuing a walk.
Starting Pitcher Comparison
| Statistic | R. Vasquez | C. Javier |
| Team | Padres | Astros |
| Innings Pitched | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Hits Allowed | 2 | 8 |
| Earned Runs | 2 | 4 |
| Strikeouts | 1 | 2 |
| Walks | 0 | 1 |
| Game Score | 56 | 36 |
| Decision | Win | Loss |
- Vasquez earned the victory with five innings of work.
He allowed two hits and two earned runs while recording one strikeout and no walks. His performance gave San Diego a chance to recover from Houston’s early lead.
- Javier also pitched five innings, but he faced a much greater amount of offensive pressure.
Javier surrendered eight hits and four earned runs. He recorded two strikeouts and one walk.
The difference in hits allowed was significant. Javier allowed four times as many hits as Vasquez.
R. Vasquez Earns the Winning Decision
Vasquez finished with:
- Five innings pitched.
- Two hits allowed.
- Two earned runs.
- One strikeout.
- Zero walks.
- A game score of 56.
His most important achievement was limiting Houston to two hits.
Although both runs came during his outing, Vasquez avoided allowing the Astros to extend their second-inning advantage.
The Padres then took control in the fourth inning and supplied the offensive support needed for him to earn the win.
His zero-walk performance also helped maintain control of the game. By avoiding free baserunners, he limited Houston’s opportunities to create additional pressure.
C. Javier’s Difficult Outing
Javier recorded five innings but allowed eight hits and four earned runs.
His pitching line included two strikeouts and one walk.
The main issue was the number of hits allowed. San Diego repeatedly found ways to make contact, and its power hitters converted important opportunities into home runs.
Javier gave up two home runs during his five innings, including the damaging three-run shot from Tatis Jr.
The fourth-inning home run was especially costly because it changed the lead and gave San Diego control.
Javier’s final game score was 36, compared with Vasquez’s 56.
Astros Bullpen Performance
Houston used two additional pitchers after Javier.
| Pitcher | Innings | Hits Allowed | Runs | Earned Runs | Strikeouts | Walks |
| A. Blubaugh | 2.0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| B. King | 1.0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
- Blubaugh pitched two innings, allowing two hits and one earned run.
- King worked one inning and surrendered two hits and two earned runs. He recorded three strikeouts, showing that he could miss bats even though the Padres still managed to score against him.
The bullpen allowed three combined runs after Javier’s departure.
Padres Bullpen Shuts Down Houston
San Diego received strong support from its relief pitchers.
| Pitcher | Innings | Hits Allowed | Runs | Earned Runs | Strikeouts | Walks |
| K. Hart | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| B. Rodriguez | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| J. Estrada | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
- Hart pitched a scoreless sixth inning and did not allow a hit.
- Rodriguez followed with two scoreless innings, allowing no hits and recording one strikeout.
- Estrada completed the ninth inning with two strikeouts and no hits allowed.
Together, the three relievers covered four innings without surrendering a run, a hit, or a walk.
That performance was essential to protecting the Padres’ advantage.
Why the Bullpen Difference Mattered
The Padres’ bullpen gave Houston very little room to recover.
The Astros needed baserunners to create scoring opportunities, but San Diego’s relief pitchers prevented that from happening.
Their combined performance included:
- Four innings pitched.
- Zero hits allowed.
- Zero runs allowed.
- Zero walks.
- Four strikeouts.
This was a strong finish from the home team’s pitching staff.
Houston’s bullpen, in contrast, allowed three runs over its final three innings. That made an already difficult comeback even less realistic.
Home Run Analysis: Five Home Runs Shape the Game
One of the defining features of the matchup was the number of home runs.
The game included five home runs in total: four by San Diego and one by Houston.
| Player | Team | Distance | Inning | RBI |
| D. Varsho | Astros | 395 feet | Second | 2 |
| J. Merrill | Padres | 411 feet | Second | 1 |
| F. Tatis Jr. | Padres | 421 feet | Fourth | 3 |
| G. Sheets | Padres | 393 feet | Sixth | 1 |
| A. Hays | Padres | 361 feet | Eighth | 2 |
Tatis Jr. Records the Longest Home Run
Tatis Jr.’s 421-foot home run was the longest of the game.
It was also the most influential home run because it produced three runs and gave San Diego a lead it never surrendered.
Merrill Delivers the Second-Longest Shot
Merrill’s 411-foot home run ranked second in distance.
His shot was important because it reduced Houston’s early advantage and prevented the Astros from taking complete control of the game.
Four Padres Players Share the Power Production
The Padres did not depend on one home-run hitter.
Tatis Jr., Merrill, Sheets, and Hays each went deep.
This distribution created a difficult challenge for Houston’s pitching staff because the threat came from several different players.
The four home runs also accounted for all seven of San Diego’s runs when combined with the runners who crossed home plate on those hits.
Key Statistical Comparisons That Explain the Result
Looking beyond the final score reveals several important differences.
1. The Ten-Hit Advantage
San Diego recorded 12 hits compared with Houston’s two.
A ten-hit advantage is substantial because it shows that the Padres consistently made better offensive contact.
Even though Houston scored two runs from its limited production, the team did not generate enough opportunities to compete over nine innings.
2. Four Home Runs Compared With One
San Diego hit four home runs, while Houston recorded one.
The Padres’ power production helped them score seven runs without needing a large number of walks or a perfect performance with runners in scoring position.
3. The Padres Avoided Walks
San Diego’s pitching staff issued zero walks.
This was an important part of its defensive performance. Houston had to earn its baserunners through hits, and the Padres allowed only two.
4. The Fourth-Inning Turning Point
The three-run home run by Tatis Jr. changed the scoreboard from a narrow Padres deficit to a 4-2 San Diego lead.
That inning created the foundation for the final result.
5. Strong Relief Pitching
San Diego’s bullpen did not allow a hit over the final four innings.
This prevented Houston from producing a late rally and helped the Padres finish the game comfortably.
What the Match Reveals About Both Teams
San Diego Padres: Power and Pitching Work Together
The Padres demonstrated how a team can combine power hitting with effective relief pitching.
Their four home runs provided most of the offensive damage, while the bullpen protected the lead.
The most encouraging element was the distribution of production.
Tatis Jr. led the way with three RBIs, but Merrill, Sheets, and Hays also delivered home runs.
San Diego also received multiple-hit contributions from Rengifo and Fermin.
This balanced performance made the offense less dependent on one hitter.
Houston Astros: Offensive Consistency Remains the Main Concern
Houston’s biggest problem was the inability to generate baserunners.
Two hits and zero walks made it difficult to maintain pressure.
Varsho provided a valuable home run, but the rest of the offense did not produce enough to support that contribution.
The Astros also needed better pitching results from Javier, who allowed eight hits and four earned runs in five innings.
Although the Houston bullpen recorded four strikeouts in its three innings, it also surrendered three runs.
The game therefore exposed problems on both sides of the ball.
The Importance of Turning Opportunities Into Runs
San Diego’s 1-for-3 performance with runners in scoring position might initially appear less impressive than Houston’s 1-for-1 result.
However, the full offensive picture tells a different story.
The Padres hit four home runs, including a three-run homer. Their power production reduced the need to rely on repeated conventional scoring opportunities.
This is an important lesson when interpreting baseball statistics. A single situational batting number cannot explain an entire game.
Hits, walks, home runs, extra-base hits, and pitching performance must be considered together.
Three-Game Series Recap: Padres Win 2-1
The August 10 result completed the three-game series between Houston and San Diego.
The Padres won the series by taking the final two games after Houston claimed the opener.
| Game | Date | Result | Winner |
| Game 1 | August 8, 2026 | Astros 6-3 Padres | Astros |
| Game 2 | August 9, 2026 | Padres 3-2 Astros | Padres |
| Game 3 | August 10, 2026 | Padres 7-2 Astros | Padres |
Game 1: Houston Takes the Opener
Houston won the first game 6-3.
The Astros started the series positively and secured an early advantage.
That victory gave Houston an opportunity to take the series, but the team could not maintain its advantage over the final two games.
Game 2: San Diego Responds
The Padres won the second game 3-2.
It was a much closer result than the series finale.
The one-run victory brought the series level at one game apiece and created a deciding third matchup.
Game 3: San Diego Finishes Strong
San Diego delivered its strongest offensive performance in the final game.
The 7-2 victory gave the Padres the series, two games to one.
The difference between the second and third games was the Padres’ power production. Four home runs helped turn the final matchup into a more comfortable victory.
The series result demonstrated San Diego’s ability to respond after losing the opener.
Important Takeaways From the Player Statistics
The numbers from this matchup provide several useful conclusions.
San Diego’s power hitters made the difference. Four home runs from four different players created seven runs and changed the scoreboard at important moments.
Tatis Jr. delivered the decisive performance. His three-run homer in the fourth inning was the game’s defining offensive moment.
Merrill provided an important early response. His second-inning home run prevented Houston from building a larger advantage.
Houston lacked offensive depth in this game. Two hits and no walks were not enough to challenge San Diego consistently.
Vasquez earned the win through effective run prevention. He allowed two hits in five innings and did not issue a walk.
The Padres’ bullpen was outstanding. Hart, Rodriguez, and Estrada combined for four hitless and scoreless innings.
The series belonged to San Diego. After losing Game 1, the Padres won the next two games to secure the 2-1 series victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the Houston Astros vs Padres game on August 10, 2026?
The San Diego Padres defeated the Houston Astros 7-2 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. The victory also gave San Diego a 2-1 win in the three-game series.
2. Who was the best player in the game?
Fernando Tatis Jr. delivered one of the strongest performances. He finished 2-for-5 with one run, three RBIs, a home run, and a double. His three-run home run in the fourth inning gave San Diego the lead.
3. How many home runs were hit during the game?
Five home runs were recorded. D. Varsho hit one for Houston, while Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill, Gavin Sheets, and Austin Hays each hit one for San Diego.
4. Who was the winning pitcher?
- Vasquez earned the win for San Diego. He pitched five innings, allowed two hits and two earned runs, recorded one strikeout, and issued no walks.
5. How did C. Javier perform against the Padres?
- Javier pitched five innings for Houston, allowing eight hits and four earned runs. He recorded two strikeouts and one walk and received the losing decision.
6. How many hits did the Astros and Padres record?
The Astros recorded two hits, while the Padres collected 12. This ten-hit difference was one of the biggest statistical factors behind San Diego’s 7-2 victory.
Conclusion
The August 10, 2026, matchup between Houston and San Diego was a strong example of how power hitting and effective pitching can determine a baseball game. The Padres earned a convincing 7-2 victory at Petco Park and completed their three-game series with a 2-1 record.
Fernando Tatis Jr. delivered the most influential offensive performance with two hits and three RBIs. His 421-foot home run in the fourth inning changed the direction of the game. Jackson Merrill, Gavin Sheets, and Austin Hays also contributed home runs, giving San Diego four different power hitters.
On the pitching side, R. Vasquez earned the victory after limiting Houston to two hits over five innings. The Padres’ bullpen then completed four hitless and scoreless innings, preventing the Astros from producing a comeback.
Houston’s biggest positive was D. Varsho’s two-run home run, but the team finished with only two hits and no walks. C. Javier’s eight hits allowed also made it difficult for the Astros to control the game.
Ultimately, the houston astros vs padres match player stats show why San Diego deserved the victory. The Padres produced more hits, more home runs, stronger overall offensive support, and a dominant bullpen performance. Their balanced approach helped them overcome the opening-game defeat and secure the series.
