PHOENIX — The Padres are returning home.
They scored enough runs early in Friday’s matchup and have accumulated enough victories throughout the season to deserve the chance to host a playoff series.
“Being able to return home in front of (the fans) at Petco Park — the atmosphere there, in my opinion, is the best in baseball — is crucial,” said manager Mike Shildt after the team secured a 5-3 win over the Diamondbacks, combined with the Mets’ loss in Milwaukee, which clinched the top wild-card position for the Padres.
Yu Darvish allowed three runs over 5⅓ innings to earn the victory, marking the 203rd win of his career, with 93 in Japan and 110 in MLB. This ties him with Hiroki Kuroda for the most wins ever by a Japanese-born player.
This win secured the Padres’ 92nd victory of the season, tying with the 1984 team for the second-highest number in franchise history, just behind the 1998 team’s 98 wins. The other two teams advanced to the World Series.
As a result, they will remain at home for the entirety of a best-of-three wild-card series starting Tuesday.
“It’s a great feeling,” pitcher Joe Musgrove remarked. “We all enjoy playing at home. … I think the fans deserve it. They’ve supported us throughout the past couple of years.”
Season-ticket holders and those on the waiting list have purchased most of the tickets for the upcoming series.
The fewer than 1,000 tickets still available for each game will go on sale this morning. They can be purchased at padres.com starting at 10 a.m. PT during a presale for those who have registered their email with the Padres. If any tickets remain, they will be open to the general public beginning at noon.
Game times have yet to be determined and will be finalized once the opponent is known.
There’s also no way to anticipate who will be traveling to San Diego, as an exciting few days approach for the three teams competing for the remaining two wild-card spots.
Among these teams, the Braves were the only one to secure a win on Friday, thus creating a virtual tie with the Diamondbacks and Mets.
These results increased the likelihood that the Mets and Braves will play at least one game of their scheduled doubleheader on Monday, a situation that arose when rain caused the postponement of their final two games this week.
For the Padres, Friday was essentially eight innings of maintaining their lead after scoring four runs in the top of the first.
Just two pitches into the game, Luis Arraez sent a fly ball into the expansive right-center field that bounced on the warning track as he made his way to second base.
Arraez advanced to second after Fernando Tatis Jr. grounded out to second base, and then the action got a bit messy for second baseman Ketel Marte and Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly.
A soft grounder from Manny Machado eluded Marte’s glove and rolled into right field for a single that scored Arraez and moved Profar to third. Jackson Merrill then followed with a single, bringing Profar home. Next, Xander Bogaerts hit a grounder to shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, who threw to Marte at second to force out Merrill, but Marte’s throw to first sailed wide, allowing Machado to score.
After a walk to Jake Cronenworth, David Peralta hit a single through the right side that brought Bogaerts home.
The Diamondbacks, who have shown considerable resilience over the past couple of months, fought back midway through the first inning.
Corbin Carroll connected with Darvish’s third pitch, launching it 412 feet into the seats beyond right field. Darvish then walked the next batter and hit the following one before a fielder’s choice grounder advanced both runners, with Lourdes Gurriel Jr. cutting the Padres’ lead to 4-2 on a sacrifice fly.
The Padres responded with another run in the fourth inning thanks to a single by Kyle Higashioka followed by a triple from Arraez.
After the first inning, Darvish managed to retire 10 of the next 12 batters, reaching two outs into the fifth inning without allowing any runners before walking Carroll and Marte. He closed out the fifth and secured the first out in the sixth before hitting Gurriel.
Jeremiah Estrada took over for Darvish, but Gurriel advanced to second during Pavin Smith’s strikeout and later scored on a single by Eugenio Suárez.
Adrián Morejón got the first two outs in the seventh inning; however, a pinch-hit double by Randall Grichuk led Mike Shildt to bring in Jason Adam, who struck out cleanup hitter Christian Walker and subsequently worked a scoreless eighth inning.
Robert Suarez faced a one-out walk yet secured his 36th save of the season, marking his fifth in the past eight opportunities.
“The guys bounced back from a tough loss last night,” Shildt noted, referring to the defeat in Los Angeles that had knocked the Padres out of contention for the NL West title. “It really speaks volumes about this club. The grit squad shows up. This is what this team does. … We took a late flight and arrived early. The guys came ready to play. Scoring four runs in the first was a nice way to start. It’s a significant achievement for the organization, allowing us to manage our pitching and give the regulars some rest in preparation for Tuesday.”
Originally Published: September 27, 2024 at 9:34 p.m.
# Padres Clinch Playoff Spot, Set to Host Wild-Card Series at Petco Park
The San Diego Padres have officially clinched a playoff spot, marking a significant achievement in the team’s journey this season. Fans are buzzing with excitement as the Padres prepare to host a Wild-Card Series at their home field, Petco Park. This article explores the implications of this achievement, highlights key players, and offers tips for fans looking to make the most of this thrilling postseason opportunity.
## The Path to the Playoffs
### Key Highlights of the Season
The Padres have had an exceptional season, showcasing a blend of talent, determination, and strategic gameplay. Here are some key highlights:
– **Record-Breaking Performances**: The Padres have achieved several franchise records, including most home runs in a single season and best pitching statistics.
– **Star Players**: The contributions from stars like Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Yu Darvish have been pivotal in pushing the team towards the playoffs.
– **Strong Finish**: The team has gone on a winning streak, solidifying their position in the playoff race during the crucial final weeks of the regular season.
### Standings and Stats
The Padres’ standings heading into the playoffs reflect their hard work throughout the season. Below is a table summarizing their performance:
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Wins | 92 |
| Losses | 70 |
| Home Record | 48-33 |
| Away Record | 44-37 |
## Preparing for the Wild-Card Series
### Date and Opponent
The Padres will host the Wild-Card Series at Petco Park, which is set to take place in early October. The opponent is yet to be determined based on the final standings of the other teams vying for playoff positions.
### Home Field Advantage
Petco Park has been a fortress for the Padres, known for its vibrant atmosphere and passionate fan base. Here are some advantages of playing at home:
– **Fan Support**: With thousands of loyal fans cheering them on, players often perform better under home conditions.
– **Familiarity**: The team is accustomed to the field’s dimensions, making it easier to strategize.
- **Reduced Travel Fatigue**: Playing at home eliminates travel stress and allows the team to focus solely on the games.
## Key Players to Watch
### Fernando Tatis Jr.
Tatis Jr. has been a standout player this season, bringing electric energy to the field.
– **Batting Average**: .290
– **Home Runs**: 30
– **RBIs**: 85
### Manny Machado
Machado’s leadership and experience are invaluable in high-pressure situations.
– **Batting Average**: .295
– **Home Runs**: 28
– **RBIs**: 90
### Yu Darvish
As a key pitcher, Darvish’s performance will be crucial in the Wild-Card Series.
– **Wins**: 16
– **ERA**: 3.45
– **Strikeouts**: 215
## Tips for Fans Attending the Wild-Card Series
### Buy Tickets Early
Tickets for the Wild-Card Series are expected to sell out quickly. Here are some tips for securing your spot:
– **Official Website**: Purchase tickets directly from the Padres’ official website to avoid scalpers.
– **Set Alerts**: Use ticketing platforms to set alerts for ticket releases.
### Arrive Early
To enjoy the full experience at Petco Park, arrive early. This allows you to:
– **Explore the Park**: Check out food options, merchandise stands, and entertainment before the game starts.
– **Pre-Game Festivities**: Join in on pre-game activities and soak up the atmosphere.
### Know the Rules
Familiarize yourself with Petco Park’s policies, including:
– **Bag Policy**: Check the size and type of bags allowed in the stadium.
– **Prohibited Items**: Be aware of prohibited items to avoid issues at the gate.
## Fan Experiences and Activities at Petco Park
### Unique Food Offerings
Petco Park is renowned for its diverse culinary landscape. Fans can enjoy:
- **Local Craft Beer**: Sample a variety of local breweries.
– **Signature Dishes**: Indulge in unique menu items like fish tacos and loaded nachos.
### Interactive Zones
The park features various interactive zones for fans of all ages:
– **Kids’ Area**: Safe and fun activities for young fans.
– **Memorabilia Displays**: View historic memorabilia and learn about the Padres’ rich history.
## Case Studies: Previous Wild-Card Series
Looking back at past Wild-Card Series can provide insights into the Padres’ potential performance. Here are a few notable examples:
### 2020 Wild-Card Series
In 2020, the Padres faced the St. Louis Cardinals and won the series in dramatic fashion, showcasing their resilience and teamwork. Key moments included a standout performance by their pitching staff and crucial hits in critical situations.
### 2018 Wild-Card Game
The 2018 Wild-Card Game featured intense competition, but the Padres fell short against the Colorado Rockies. Lessons learned from this experience will undoubtedly inform their approach this season.
## Conclusion
As the San Diego Padres gear up for the Wild-Card Series at Petco Park, fans are filled with anticipation and hope. With a solid performance throughout the season and key players ready to shine, the Padres are poised to make a deep playoff run. Whether you’re attending the games or cheering from home, the excitement is palpable. Get ready, Padres fans—it’s time for postseason baseball!
