San Diego’s hot stretch rolled on as the Padres completed a three-game sweep of the San Francisco Giants, rolling to an 11-1 win that extended their winning streak to five and pushed their record to 23-12 since July 4. The victory came with a strong reminder that this team is healthier, deeper and more dangerous than during the rough patch that had them trailing the Dodgers by nine games early in July.
The midseason momentum has been fueled in part by a revamped roster that arrived at the trade deadline. San Diego added outfielder Ramón Laureano, slugger Ryan O’Hearn, catcher Freddy Fermin, left-hander Nestor Cortés and reliever Mason Miller. Laureano’s arrival has paid immediate dividends: he went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer, chipping in a run-scoring night that featured another key moment as O’Hearn crossed the plate on the homer, a sequence that helped spark a seven-run explosion in the second inning on Wednesday.
Fernando Tatis Jr. continued to swing a hot bat, contributing a two-run single in the big second inning while adding two hits and two walks on the night, driving in three. “We’re going out there confident every single day, playing good baseball, clean baseball — and that’s what we’re capable of doing,” Tatis said, underscoring the team’s belief in its improved depth and offensive approach.
Manager Mike Shildt praised the broader contributions that have fueled the surge. “Pitching’s been good, defense, baserunning,” he said. “I’ve been really pleased the last week or so about the offense dictating the game.” The Padres have won five straight series and are 23-12 since Independence Day, a run that has them positioned to contend for the division as the Dodgers loom in a pivotal three-game set in Los Angeles.
The series with Los Angeles is not just another meeting between two rivals; it’s meaningful in the larger context of the NL West. The Padres have already twice faced the Dodgers in recent postseason series and have an opportunity to close the gap with a strong showing on the road. The players acknowledge the magnitude of the moment, especially with the fresh faces contributing right away.
Laureano’s performance in San Francisco highlighted how newly acquired players are fitting in. Fermin has been productive with the bat since arriving, going 11-for-31 (.355) with the Padres. The combination of Laureano’s defense and power, O’Hearn’s situational punch, and Cortés’ left-handed arm and Miller’s bullpen depth has given San Diego multiple ways to win.
What to watch this weekend
– Laureano’s presence in the lineup and how his energy translates into late-inning chances.
– Tatis’ continued production and his ability to drive in runs in key moments.
– The added pitching depth from Cortés and Miller, and how Shildt deploys the bullpen in tight spots against a Dodgers club that has historically been strong.
– The Padres’ defense and baserunning continuing to complement the improved offense.
Outlook
If San Diego can keep this level of play going—balanced contributions from the top of the order, timely hitting from the heart of the lineup, and reliable pitching—the Padres will remain in the race for the division title and could strengthen their case for a playoff push. The current mood around the club is hopeful: a roster overhaul at the deadline has produced an immediate impact, proving that the Padres have both the roster and the confidence to make a strong late-season run.
Summary
San Diego swept the Giants, extended a five-game win streak, and moved back into contention in the NL West, entering a high-stakes series with the Dodgers with renewed energy and a deeper, more versatile roster. The mix of Tatis’ production, Laureano’s power, Fermin’s bat, and the added arms from Cortés and Miller has given the Padres a clear path forward as the race tightens in September.