The San Diego ballclub secured their postseason participation Monday evening, sparking celebrations at the home stadium.
Designated hitter Freddy Fermin delivered a game-winning single in the 11th inning, driving in Bryce Johnson and propelling the Padres to a 5-4 triumph, guaranteeing them at least a wild-card berth in the National League playoffs.
The Padres are currently positioned to claim the No. 5 seed in the postseason tournament. San Diego (86-71) trails the Los Angeles Dodgers by 2.5 games in the NL West standings with five contests remaining, all scheduled at their home venue.
Jose Iglesias is pumped after tying the game in the seventh inning on an RBI single. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Sean M. Haffey via Getty Images)
Down by a score of 4-3 in the tenth inning, the Padres equalized when Gavin Sheets plated Luis Arraez with a ground ball.
The Brewers, having already secured the NL Central title and leading the race for the top seed, squandered a chance to take the lead in the 11th. With the bases full, Jackson Chourio hit a grounder into a double play to end the inning.
The Padres then capitalized in their half of the 11th inning. Jose Iglesias hit a sacrifice fly that moved Johnson to third base, setting the stage for Fermin’s decisive hit.
San Diego advances to the playoffs for the second consecutive year and the fourth time in the past six years.
