A franchise-record 3rd straight postseason, and the Padres still want more
The San Diego Padres are back in the postseason for a franchise-record third consecutive year. The team clinched a playoff berth with a 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, with Manny Machado fielding Mookie Betts' groundout to third base for the final out. Now, the Padres aim to win a World Series for the first time, having lost twice in previous postseason appearances.
First baseman Ty France, signed as a minor league free agent, has hit a career-high 21 homers and played solid defense. Infielder Jake Cronenworth has returned from injury and center fielder Jackson Merrill has contributed crucially. The team's manager, Craig Stammen, is a surprise pick by general manager A.J. Preller, who hired him despite having no coaching or managerial experience.
The Padres, part of the wild-card team, have celebrated their success inside the visitors' clubhouse and on the Dodger Stadium field in matching black T-shirts.
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