LOS ANGELES -- The Padres are aiming high this season—much higher than just making the playoffs. But securing a spot in the 2024 postseason was the first step, and they did it in dramatic fashion on Tuesday night.
With a thrilling 4-2 victory over the rival Dodgers, sealed by a stunning game-ending triple play, San Diego clinched their playoff berth, leaving Shohei Ohtani stranded on deck. The win also tightened the race for the National League West title, as the Padres closed the Dodgers’ lead to just two games, the smallest margin since mid-August.
The extraordinary play unfolded with runners on first and second and Miguel Rojas at the plate. Rojas hit a sharp grounder to Manny Machado, who stepped on third base, fired to second, and Jake Cronenworth completed the turn to first. After a tense replay review, the call stood: a 5-4-3 triple play to end the game.
“What a way to do it. You gotta be kidding me right there. What a play by Manny,” said manager Mike Shildt.
While the focus remains on clinching their first division title since 2006, the Padres took a moment to celebrate this milestone. A sweep of the Dodgers this week would put them in first place, thanks to the head-to-head tiebreaker they’ve already secured.
Unlike last year’s team, which fell short of expectations, this year's Padres are determined to go further. Their sights are set on a deep postseason run and beyond.
.jpeg)
0 Comments