Padres clinch postseason berth with walk-off win, celebrate their fourth qualification in six years

SAN DIEGO. – The San Diego Padres secured their ticket to the Major League Baseball postseason last night with a dramatic 5-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in 11 innings at Petco Park. Venezuelan Freddy Fermín became the hero with the decisive hit that sealed the victory and unleashed the celebration both on the field and in the clubhouse.

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The triumph marks the second consecutive qualification of the Padres and the fourth in the last six seasons, consolidating the team as one of the most consistent contenders in the National League in the last decade. However, the goal is clear: to seek the first World Series in the history of the franchise.

THE @PADRES WALK IT OFF INTO THE #POSTSEASON! 😤 pic.twitter.com/2BeekKP9Jz

— MLB (@MLB) September 23, 2025

“It’s something special,” captain Manny Machado expressed excitedly.
“We feel like we have a team that can win it all,” added general manager A.J. Preller.

The arrival of reinforcements by the trade deadline, including Fermín himself, the Dominican Ramón Laureano, Ryan O’Hearn, and flamethrower Mason Miller, has strengthened both the offense and the bullpen, making the team one of the most complete in the postseason.

The leader Mike Shildt highlighted his team’s commitment and projected confidence:

“We are just at the beginning of the best era in Padres history”.

On the mound, Nick Pivetta completed a solid debut season with an ERA of 2.87 in 31 starts, 190 strikeouts and 50 walks. Everything indicates that he will be in charge of opening Game 1 of the Wild Card Series. Although Dominican Fernando Tatis Jr. could not be present at the celebration due to illness, his teammates included him via video call, showing the unity of the group.

With this pass, the Padres reach their ninth postseason in 57 years of history and keep alive the illusions of the fans who packed Petco Park to celebrate a historic milestone: the first time the club qualifies with a walk-off.