It was 95 degrees at first pitch on Wednesday afternoon, marking the hottest game in Petco Park history. The Padres are red-hot, too. They completed a sweep of the Nationals with a 9-2 victory on a scorching Wednesday afternoon in downtown San Diego -- and finished their homestand 5-1. “That’s our brand of baseball,” said Jackson Merrill, who went 4-for-5 with two homers and a triple. With 16 games to play -- and 13 until the Padres and Diamondbacks square off on the final weekend of the season -- the Padres hold a half-game lead over their NL West rivals for the final Wild Card spot in the National League. Here are some takeaways: **1\. Merrill is mashing** It’s been a roller coaster of a season for Merrill. He’s a streaky hitter, so it’s bound to feel that way sometimes. Now would certainly be a good time for him to get hot.
