The San Diego Padres have a flair for the dramatics. They win matches they should not win. They have headed the NL West contest to the wire, when nobody expected them to.
But even by their standards, they took that theatrics to the next level on Tuesday night:
The Padres turned a game-ending triple play at Dodger Stadium to steal a postseason place, leaving Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the on-deck circle.
“Couldn’t script that any better,” said Padres manager Mike Shildt.
Manny Machado began an excellent around-the-horn triple play to end a 4-2 Padres win at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, causing loud celebrations in the visitor’s fan box. San Diego became the first team in league history to secure a postseason spot with a game-ending triple play.
Miguel Rojas, who was geared up to hit earlier in the at-bat, struck a quick grounder to Machado. The third baseman stepped on the bag, sending the ball to Jake Cronenworth at second, who turned and threw to Donovan Solano at first. It was only the ninth triple play in Padres history, and the first since Chase Headley did the same around-the-horn turn in 2010.
“As soon as he hit it, I’m like ‘Let’s go,’” Machado said.
And with that, San Diego won a berth in the postseason after losing out in 2023. After the game, a champagne-soaked Machado was asked about beloved late owner Peter Seidler, who passed away last November. He said, “He’s been with us all year.” Then he added this …
“In a tough spot there with Ohtani in the on-deck circle, we turn a triple play to end the game, against one of the best teams in baseball?” Machado said. “I mean, he’s looking upon us.”
