{
  "id": 9714843,
  "title": "A franchise-record 3rd straight postseason, and the Padres still want more",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/a-franchise-record-3rd-straight-postseason-and-the-padres-still-want",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T06:17:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/baseball/2026/09/25/a-franchise-record-3rd-straight-postseason-and-the-padres-still-want-more"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "San Diego Padres win 3rd straight postseason berth",
    "Manny Machado seals playoff spot with clutch play",
    "Team aims for first World Series title"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Padres' milestone postseason streak underscores their growing ambition, now focused on overcoming past disappointments and securing their first World Series title under manager Craig Stammen and general manager A.J. Preller.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}