Good morning,
Yesterday’s game provided a quintessential conclusion to the home schedule for the 2024 Padres.
They secured a 4-2 victory against the White Sox, scoring three runs in the eighth inning.
This marked their 96th inning in which they scored three or more runs, resulting in their 37th comeback win, their 32nd victory achieved in the seventh inning or later, and their 21st win where the decisive runs were scored in their last offensive half-inning.
The construction of that inning was equally fitting, featuring doubles from Donovan Solano and Luis Arraez, a sacrifice fly by Jurickson Profar, and a home run by Fernando Tatis Jr.
“We have a complete roster,” Mike Shildt remarked. “A.J. (Preller, the Padres president of baseball operations) deserves significant recognition, but ultimately it’s our players who deserve the credit. They are the ones executing on the field. This roster has shown its versatility in winning games in various ways. We often find ourselves in tight matches, and we have managed to come out on top.”
Solano, a free agent signed to a minor-league deal in April, delivered numerous crucial hits, particularly in May and June.
Arraez, the batting champion acquired via a trade on May 4, consistently employs what Shildt describes as his “magic wand” to secure hits.
Profar is the “glue guy” who transformed into an All-Star for a modest $2.5 million.
Tatis remains an irreplaceable talent.
“It’s truly fitting,” Tatis stated. “I’m thrilled it unfolded this way. I’m even happier that every member of this clubhouse has put in the effort to unite as a team, demonstrating how we perform on the field. … We refuse to give up. From the first game of the“`html
In Los Angeles, that is the only scenario that can guarantee their advancement today. Should they lose, even if the Braves fall to the Mets tomorrow, it would still leave the slim chance for a three-way tie among the teams, resulting in the Padres being the team left out.
Here are the current standings for the National League wild card.
The Dodgers also emerged victorious.
This victory eliminated the Diamondbacks from contention in the division race, as they now trail by six games and have lost the head-to-head tiebreaker against the Dodgers.
The Padres remain in control of their fate, having won the season series against the Dodgers. They can clinch the division by winning all their remaining games, which includes sweeping the Dodgers during their three-game series that commences tomorrow in Los Angeles. (Additionally, the Padres could secure the division title by finishing 5-1, provided the Dodgers do not exceed a 2-4 record this week).
“This is what we aimed for,” Shildt commented. “This is what we established — even before spring training — as our focus. We are very clear about this goal. We don’t often discuss it; we’re more about actions than words. Now we’ve positioned ourselves to compete for the division title. That is what this is all about, and it reflects our hard work.”
Here are the standings for the NL West:
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In yesterday’s newsletter, I discussed how Profar was assessing, in real time, whether securing a division title and enjoying a bye in the wild-card round would indeed be beneficial.
By yesterday afternoon, he had reached a conclusion.
“We want it,” Profar stated. “We’re going in there and bringing our ‘A’ game.”
Suarez Tweaks His Approach
Robert Suarez pitched a scoreless ninth inning yesterday in his first outing since allowing a two-run homer on Friday, marking the third instance in six games where he surrendered a game-tying or go-ahead homer in the ninth.
The variety in pitch selection that Suarez showcased yesterday was noteworthy, as the effectiveness of those pitches was the actual turning point.
While Suarez still leaned heavily on his four-seam fastball, composing the bulk of his pitches, he incorporated three sinkers, three changeups, and a cutter among his 13 tosses. Notably, he had only thrown three cutters throughout the entire season prior to this game, and his changeup usage had dipped below 10 percent in the last five games. In a span of his previous 12 games, his four-seam fastball had seen usage between 63 and 95 percent.
Suarez achieved the first out of the ninth with a single pitch, a sinker. He opened the next batter with a changeup, later culminating in a strikeout with a four-seam fastball. Although his cutter was hit for a single, he secured a game-ending strikeout with two consecutive changeups.
As noted in Saturday’s newsletter, introducing a bit of variation was something Shildt and pitching coach Ruben Niebla emphasized as essential.
Here’s a look at Suarez’s pitch usage leading up to yesterday:
Starting Rotation Update
The Padres have opted to maintain their starting rotation schedule, which results in Michael King starting tomorrow’s game against the Dodgers, making him the only pitcher available to start twice this week.
In the decision-making process between King and Dylan Cease for tomorrow’s start, the team weighed the significance of Sunday’s game alongside the need to prepare their rotation for a prospective wild-card series that begins shortly after.
This sets up Cease as a viable Game 1 starter in a wild-card series.
Furthermore, as we’ve recently observed, the entire rotation’s performance has rendered multiple options appealing. Yu Darvish’s six scoreless innings yesterday brought the rotation’s ERA over the last 18 games to 2.29, which ranks second in the majors since September 1, just behind the Mets’ starters who posted a 2.28 ERA.
Niebla commented on the rotation by saying, “We’re in a pretty good spot.”
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Back Again
Yesterday, after the Padres trailed 1-0 in the top of the third inning, Profar responded by hitting a home run that tied the game in the bottom half of the inning.
In the eighth inning, with the game tied at 2-2 and a runner on third base, Profar lifted the Padres to a 3-2 lead with a sacrifice fly.
This marked his team-leading 15th game-deciding RBI. It was also the sixth win this season where Profar contributed at least half of the Padres’ runs, tying him with Manny Machado and Jackson Merrill for the highest number on the team.
Finishing the game 2-for-3 with a single, Profar is hitting .345 (19-for-55) over his last 15 games, which includes four doubles, three home runs, and six walks.
This recent performance follows a challenging 22-game stretch from August 11 to September 4, during which he struggled, hitting only .165/.299/.279 across 98 plate appearances.
His outstanding finish to the season appears to further validate his breakout in 2024, a significant milestone in his 11th year in the major leagues.
“I’m really pleased with the player I’ve developed into,” Profar remarked, noting his .385 on-base percentage, which leads the NL. “I always had confidence in the player I could become. During that 22-game period, I wasn’t slumping or feeling low. Pitchers were adapting to me, throwing differently. I endured many hit-by-pitches and hard-hit outs. For me to maintain my approach consistently and then see the results speaks volumes about my growth. In the past, I might have tried to change things up to get hits.”
Good Day Off
Arraez was utilized as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning, as he did not start the previous day to rest his left knee, which he injured while sliding into home on Monday.
“I definitely needed a day today,” remarked Arraez, who has only started three of the last five games. “I feel much better today. I hope to rest tomorrow and return strong for the duration.”
Shildt humorously confirmed that Arraez will lead off in tomorrow’s game.
“Yeah, you’ve seen how he interacts with David at first,” Shildt commented, referring to Arraez’s tradition of slapping first base coach David Macias on the chest upon reaching base after a single. “I believe he’s capable of so much more if I don’t have him in the lineup.”
Tidbits
- Tatis has hit two home runs and four doubles during a five-game streak of extra-base hits, tying his career for the third-longest of this type. He accomplished six homers and two doubles in a seven-game streak in 2020.
- During an 11-game hitting streak, Tatis is batting .340 (16-for-47) with six home runs and four doubles.
- Arraez boasts a .373 batting average (41-for-110) with runners in scoring position, ranking second in the majors, just behind Bobby Witt of the Royals at .376.
- Profar has already set personal records in home runs (24), RBIs (85), walks (75), and being hit by pitches (17). He also matched his career-best by stealing his 10th base yesterday.
- Machado has faced strikeouts in eight consecutive games, marking the fifth-longest streak of his career and just four games shy of his personal record.
- Jeff Sanders reported (here) that Darvish became the first Japanese-born pitcher and the 90th overall in history to reach 2,000 strikeouts in the major leagues.
- He also covered (here) infielder Nick Ahmed joining the Padres and Ha-Seong Kim transferring his rehabilitation to Arizona.
- The number four holds significance for the Padres; they are 74-13 when scoring at least four runs, boasting the best record in the majors under such circumstances.
- As highlighted in yesterday’s newsletter, Shildt has become the 14th manager in history to win 90 games within his first three eligible seasons, and the first to achieve this with multiple teams.
That’s all from me.
I will be posting an article today on our Padres page about King, who could be considered the team’s most valuable starting pitcher in his first season in that role.
With no game today, the next newsletter will arrive in your inbox on Wednesday.
Originally Published: September 23, 2024 at 6:30 a.m.
Padres’ Eighth-Inning Rally Secures Comeback Victory over White Sox, Sets Stage for Playoff Push
The Thrilling Eighth Inning
The San Diego Padres showcased their resilience in a recent matchup against the Chicago White Sox, pulling off a stunning comeback victory that could significantly impact their playoff aspirations. The game, characterized by a dramatic eighth-inning rally, has injected fresh hope into Padres fans and players alike as they gear up for the final stretch of the season.
Game Recap: Key Moments
As the game progressed, the Padres found themselves trailing, struggling to break through the White Sox’s defense. However, with a combination of strategic hits and aggressive base running, they turned the tide in the eighth inning. Here are some key moments that defined this electrifying comeback:
- Leading Off the Eighth: The inning began with a solid single from the Padres’ lead-off hitter, setting the stage for what would become a crucial inning.
- Back-to-Back Hits: Following the single, the Padres’ lineup erupted with back-to-back hits, showcasing their offensive depth and ability to capitalize in clutch situations.
- Crucial Errors by White Sox: A couple of defensive lapses by the White Sox proved costly, allowing the Padres to advance bases and score runs.
- Game-Winning Hit: The highlight of the inning was a game-winning hit that drove in two runs, sending the crowd into a frenzy and securing the lead for the Padres.
Statistical Highlights
Statistics play a crucial role in understanding the significance of the game. Here’s a detailed look at some of the notable stats from the matchup:
| Player | At Bats | Hits | RBIs | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juan Soto | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Manny Machado | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Fernando Tatis Jr. | 4 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Importance of This Victory
This victory against the White Sox is not just another win in the Padres’ column; it symbolizes a crucial turning point in their season. Here’s why this comeback is vital:
- Boost to Team Morale: Overcoming a deficit, especially in a high-stakes game, can significantly enhance team spirit and confidence.
- Playoff Push: With the postseason nearing, every win counts. This game positions the Padres favorably as they compete for a playoff berth.
- Showcasing Depth: The ability to rally from behind highlights the Padres’ depth in batting and pitching, which is essential for their playoff aspirations.
Player Performances: Standouts of the Game
Several players made significant contributions during the game, demonstrating their skills and determination:
1. Juan Soto
Soto’s performance was pivotal in the eighth inning, where his strategic hitting and ability to read the game put him in the right position to score and drive in runs.
2. Manny Machado
Machado’s consistency at the plate has been a backbone for the Padres’ offense. His clutch hitting kept the pressure on the White Sox and allowed the team to capitalize on opportunities.
3. Fernando Tatis Jr.
Tatis Jr. showed why he is considered one of the league’s brightest stars. His speed on the bases and ability to perform under pressure added significant value to the team’s comeback effort.
Case Study: Team Resilience
The Padres’ comeback serves as a case study in sports resilience. Here are some key takeaways:
- Stay Composed Under Pressure: Remaining calm and focused during challenging moments can lead to success, as demonstrated by the Padres.
- Teamwork and Communication: Effective communication among teammates during gameplay is crucial for executing strategies and making quick decisions.
- Adaptability: The ability to adapt to the game’s flow and adjust strategies on the fly can make a significant difference, especially in high-pressure situations.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Padres?
As the Padres set their sights on the playoffs, several factors will dictate their path forward:
- Consistent Performance: Maintaining the momentum from this victory will be essential, requiring consistent performances from key players.
- Injury Management: Keeping the roster healthy and managing player workloads will be critical as the season progresses.
- Strategic Matchups: Analyzing upcoming opponents and adjusting strategies accordingly will be necessary to secure wins down the stretch.
Practical Tips for Baseball Fans
For fans looking to engage more deeply with the game and support their team, here are some practical tips:
- Attend Games: Nothing beats the energy of a live game. Attending games not only supports the team but also enhances your experience as a fan.
- Follow Stats: Stay updated on player performance and team standings through various sports news websites to engage in conversations among fellow fans.
- Join Fan Communities: Engaging with other fans through forums and social media can provide additional insights and create a sense of community.
First-Hand Experience: Fan Reactions
The atmosphere at the stadium during the comeback was electric. Fans expressed a mixture of anxiety and excitement, which quickly turned to jubilation as the Padres pulled ahead. Here are some reactions from fans:
“I couldn’t believe we came back! The energy in the stadium was unmatched—I felt like we were all part of something special.” - Sarah, Padres Fan
“That eighth inning was pure magic. It felt like the whole team was on fire, and we all knew we could win.” – Tom, Long-time Supporter
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
The Padres’ thrilling comeback victory over the White Sox not only displayed their competitive spirit but also set the stage for an exciting playoff push. With key players stepping up and a focus on teamwork, fans can look forward to an exhilarating end to the season.
