"He's that guy" - Jurickson Profar hails Jackson Merrill's walk-off heroics amid intense ROY battle with Paul Skenes

There is just no giving in from the San Diego Padres this season, as the National League West team completed another dramatic come-from-behind victory on Sunday, courtesy of rookie Jackson Merrill. The Padres beat the New York Mets 3-2 at Petco Park.

The 21-year-old rookie has been one of the most clutch hitters this season, especially when the team is trailing in the game. Following his 19th homer of the season, teammate Jurickson Profar shared the feeling in the dugout leading up to the walk-off hit.

“He’s that guy,” Profar said. “He has it. Every time he steps up to the plate like that ... everyone in the dugout called it.”

Profar, enjoying a breakthrough year with the Padres, tied the game with his two-run homer in the eighth inning before Merrill stepped onto the plate to win it in the ninth.

For Profar, Merrill's heroics are nothing new:

“I’ve said it a lot of times, since I stepped on the field with him in spring training, he showed me that he’s that type of guy."

Jackson Merrill is in a battle with Pittsburgh Pirates rookie sensation Paul Skenes for the NL Rookie of the Year title this year, and his second walk-off homer of this season has boosted his credentials.

According to a report by ESPN, Merrill overtook Skenes as the odds-on favorite to win the ROTY title. Skenes was the overwhelming favorite to win the title by the end of July.

Padres manager Mike Shildt hails Jackson Merrill's talent

Jackson Merrill is the owner of a remarkable stat this season. The Padres rookie has five home runs (game-tying or go-ahead) in the ninth inning, the most by any player under 21 since 1961 and the most this season overall.

Padres manager Mike Shildt praised the rookie's talent and his immense trust in his ability.

“He’s not making it bigger than it is,” Mike Shildt said. “He’s just letting his talent play -- and his talent’s really, really, really good.”

And like his manager said, Jackson Merrill always believes the pitchers are going to give him a chance. Merrill shared his thought process of facing two-time Reliever of the Year Edwin Diaz in the ninth.

“I know I'm going to get something to hit,” Merrill said. “I don't think he wants to walk anybody. I was just kind of looking for something in the middle. He gave me a little bit with the slider right down the middle.

It was the Padres' second win over the Mets in seven games this season, and it couldn't have come at a better time as the NL West team continues to occupy the second wild-card spot in the National League.