Rain fell for most of the evening at Rate Field in Chicago. The Padres might want to get used to this kind of weather. They’re likely going to be back in the Windy City for the playoffs. San Diego topped the White Sox 7-3, meaning there’s probably going to be a party at Petco Park in the next week (I’ll explain why in a minute). Jackson Merrill hit a solo home run but the offensive hero on the South Side was Ryan O’Hearn. The trade deadline acquisition had three hits, the biggest coming when the Padres needed it most. With the game tied 2-2 in the 6th inning O’Hearn lined a double to the left-centerfield wall, clearing the bases and putting the Padres on top 5-2. The Padres padded their lead late thanks to RBI singles from Gavin Sheets and Luis Arraez. After Yu Darvish allowed two runs in 4.2 innings San Diego’s stellar bullpen held the Sox in check. Adrian Morejon, Jeremiah Estrada and Mason Miller kept it scoreless until the 9th when Robert Suarez coughed up a solo home run to Lenyn Sosa. The win sets up what should be a fun week back in the East Village. The Reds beat the Cubs so San Diego’s Magic Number to secure a playoff spot is down to three. They only have one game left on this road trip so there is no chance for them to lock down a postseason appearance on Sunday. The earliest they could possible clinch a spot could be Monday when they open a three-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers. When San Diego does reach the second season they are almost guaranteed to play the best-of-three Wild Card series on the other side of Chicago at Wrigley Field. While it’s always nice to punch a playoff ticket as early as possible, it just feels right for this team to do it in front of the Friar Faithful, arguably the best fan base in all of Major League Baseball. This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. to open the story in your web browser.
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