Overview
- San Diego secured a postseason spot with a 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, capped by a three‑run seventh highlighted by RBI singles from Ethan Salas and Fernando Tatis Jr.
- The clinch came Thursday night and was closed by Mason Miller, who recorded his 38th save but allowed a ninth‑inning RBI double by Shohei Ohtani while Yuki Matsui was credited with the win in relief.
- The Padres sit 89-70 and enter the final homestand one game ahead of the Chicago Cubs for the top National League Wild Card seed, so the upcoming three games vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks will determine who hosts the Wild Card Series.
- The late‑season surge has raised roster questions for October, with rookie catcher Ethan Salas emerging as a likely contributor and the club weighing how to deploy its bullpen and catcher depth.
- Fans and downtown businesses in San Diego reacted immediately with a postseason merchandise rush, and an on‑field celebration at Dodger Stadium intensified the rivalry between the two clubs.