12 HRs in 26 games: Tatis can't be stopped

SAN DIEGO -- New venue, same result: Fernando Tatis Jr. is still torching Rangers pitching.

After making headlines earlier this week with his grand slam on a 3-0 pitch at Globe Life Field, Tatis launched a mammoth home run to straightaway center field in Wednesday's 6-3 win at Petco Park, extending his Major League home run lead to 12 this season.

“What he's been doing has been one of the best things I've ever been a part of -- of anything I've ever seen,” said Padres third baseman Manny Machado, who authored a 10th-inning, walk-off grand slam in the victory. “He's a special kid. He's a special player, and he's got a very bright future ahead of him. He's a big part of why we're winning these ballgames.”

Rangers right-hander Lance Lynn -- one of the American League's early Cy Young Award favorites -- hung a 1-0 cutter with two outs in the third inning, and Tatis capitalized. He hit a 419-foot bomb off the center-field batter's eye with an exit velocity of 106.6 mph, per Statcast.

Tatis' 12 home runs are the most by a 21-year-old in his team's first 26 games of a season in the modern era (since 1900). Mel Ott had 10 during that span in 1929.

Tatis is 6-for-14 with three homers and eight RBIs against the Rangers this week. But his most impactful plate appearance might have been his nine-pitch walk in the 10th inning on Wednesday, setting the stage for Machado.

“I call him Mr. Clutch,” said Padres starter Chris Paddack, who allowed one run over six innings. “I’m sure he wanted to swing and get in the spotlight again. But, you know, why not give it to Manny?”

Not only is Tatis in first place in the Majors in homers, but he's also first in runs (25) and RBIs (29). His six stolen bases are tied at the top. No player in MLB history has finished a season leading the Majors in all four categories.

But at this point, would you dare doubt Tatis?