The San Diego Padres secured home-field advantage in the National League Wild Card Series with a 10-7 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, setting up a rematch against the Chicago Cubs starting Tuesday.
The Padres clinched the No. 4 seed in the NL playoffs by defeating the Diamondbacks on Saturday, ensuring they would host the best-of-three Wild Card Series against the fifth-seeded Cubs. The victory marked the team’s club-record third straight 90-win season and seventh in team history. The win also secured San Diego’s franchise-best third consecutive postseason berth.
Machado’s Clutch Homer Powers Padres’ Clinch
Manny Machado delivered the decisive blow with a three-run home run in the fourth inning, his 30th of the season and the 399th of his career. We’re playing at home now,
Machado said after the game, echoing the team’s excitement over the playoff setup. The home run also tied Adrián González for the most 30-homer seasons in Padres history, with Machado now one home run away from surpassing Mike Piazza’s franchise record of 400. The Padres’ victory came after the Phillies’ loss to the Rays, which locked in the Cubs as their first-round opponent.
The Padres’ manager, Craig Stammen, emphasized the significance of hosting games at Petco Park. The reward is getting to play a couple playoff games at home,
Stammen said. We’re excited about that. Don’t have to pack our bags tomorrow.
The game was more or less a blueprint for what everything might look like in the postseason, with Stammen going to his bullpen early. The Padres’ offense made the Diamondbacks pay for every mistake, and the ballpark was packed early, with gold rally towels given to all fans in attendance.
Playoff Rotation Questions Loom
While the Padres’ postseason berth is secured, questions remain about their starting rotation. Walker Buehler, who made his final regular-season start on Saturday, allowed four runs (three earned) over 3 2/3 innings, raising concerns about his playoff readiness. Buehler acknowledged the challenge: If you don’t throw strikes, you can’t win games, and I’ve always thrown strikes. I didn’t tonight.
Manager Stammen hinted at potential matchups, noting that Robbie Ray could be a strong option against the Cubs’ left-handed hitters. Ray pitched five scoreless innings against them on June 5, Stammen said. The Padres will likely rest most of their regulars in Sunday’s finale, with Buehler or Ray possibly starting Game 3 if the series extends.
The Cubs’ Past Pain and Padres’ Playoff Momentum
The Cubs eliminated the Padres 2-1 in the wild-card round at Chicago last season, but San Diego’s current roster boasts a stronger offensive lineup. Xander Bogaerts hit a solo home run in the fifth, while Jake Cronenworth contributed a two-run single. Arizona’s Gabriel Moreno hit an RBI single and went 1 for 3 with a walk to keep his average at .311, just ahead of injured Phillies infielder Luis Arraez (.310) in the race for the NL batting title.
The Diamondbacks went ahead 4-3 in the top of the fourth on James McCann’s two-run homer to straightaway center off Walker Buehler. The Padres went in front on Ty France’s RBI groundout and Gavin Sheets’ RBI double, which center fielder Tim Tawa lost in the lights and twilight sky. Arizona led 2-1 in the third before the Padres took the lead. Yuki Matsui (5-1) got the win in relief.
The Padres earned their franchise-best third consecutive postseason berth with a 4-2 win Thursday night at the NL West champion Los Angeles Dodgers, underscoring their resilience. The Cubs’ recent playoff experience contrast with San Diego’s underdog narrative. However, the Padres’ ability to capitalize on home-field advantage—and manage its rotation—will determine how far they go in October.
Up next, the Diamondbacks’ RHP Michael Soroka (9-5, 3.31 ERA) is scheduled to pitch the season finale Sunday. The Padres will counter with Randy Vásquez (10-6, 4.01). The Padres will host the Wild Card Series starting Tuesday, with the winner advancing to face the NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers in a best-of-five Division Series. The Cubs, who eliminated the Padres 2-1 in the wild-card round at Chicago last season, will look to avoid a repeat as they face a Padres team with a club-record third straight 90-win season.
The Padres’ victory came after the Phillies’ loss to the Rays, which locked in the Cubs as their first-round opponent. The Diamondbacks had their six-game winning streak snapped but remain alive for the NL’s third wild-card spot. They are one game behind Philadelphia going into Sunday’s season finales and hold the tiebreaker. The Phillies lost their fourth straight game, 12-1 to AL East champion Tampa Bay.
Machado’s home run in the fourth inning gave him his eighth career 30-homer season, tying Arizona’s Nolan Arenado and Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber for the most among active players. It was his fourth 30-homer season with San Diego, tying Gonzalez for the most in team history. The Padres’ offense made the Diamondbacks pay for every mistake, and the ballpark was packed early, with gold rally towels given to all fans in attendance.