PHOENIX — The landscape of the National League wild-card race has shifted since the San Diego Padres last faced the Arizona Diamondbacks in mid-June, when Arizona clinched two out of three games. As of Monday, just days following the trade deadline, the Diamondbacks are now struggling, having dealt their powerful corner infielders and a top starting pitcher, leaving them six games under .500.
In stark contrast, the Padres have successfully maneuvered the trade deadline, positioning themselves for a playoff berth amid a competitive landscape of seven teams vying for six spots. However, their momentum was stymied in Monday’s game, marked by a disappointing performance from left-hander JP Sears, who was making his first start with the team.
The Diamondbacks took control early, scoring in the first four innings and ultimately securing a 6-2 victory over the Padres. Sears struggled throughout his five innings, yielding five runs on 10 hits, attributing his performance to poor execution and Texas-sized leather work by the opposing hitters.
Diamondbacks’ starter Brandon Pfaadt, despite a rocky start, settled in and dominated the Padres lineup, restricting them with a mix of strikes that left hitters guessing. After a shaky first, he rapidly found his rhythm, retiring 13 of the next 15 batters and surrendering just a couple of runs.
Alek Thomas added to Arizona’s tally with a home run off Yuki Matsui in the eighth inning, epitomizing the Diamondbacks’ offensive efficiency on the night. The Padres relied on a late response, with some signs of life in the sixth when they strung together a couple of hits, but not enough to shift the momentum.
The Padres’ struggles echoed the sentiments of their manager, Mike Shildt, who has emphasized the need for starters to carry their weight in pitching, especially with a tight bullpen. This situation is even more critical with over 50 games left in the season.
Sears reflected on his outing, acknowledging the need for improvement and recognizing the value of going deep into games as part of his role. Though this particular game ended on a disappointing note for the Padres, the remaining games of the season offer a platform for redemption and a chance to rally in the playoff race.
This season has plenty of opportunities remaining for teams like the Padres to find their groove and compete for a postseason spot, and fans can look forward to how adjustments and strategies may play out in the coming weeks.