Center fielder Jackson Merrill went 2 for 5 with a San Diego Padres win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday in San Diego. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Freddy Fermin slapped a single over the infield to beat the Milwaukee Brewers in extra innings and send the San Diego Padres to the playoffs in walk-off style.
The Padres’ catcher played hero in the 11th inning of the 5-4 triumph Monday in San Diego. His connection with the first-pitch sweeper helped the Padres clinch the National League’s second postseason wild card ticket.
“That moment — that’s special,” Fermin told reporters. “I put the swing [that] put my team in the postseason.”
Fermin, who joined the Padres in a July trade with the Kansas City Royals, went 1 for 2 in Monday’s win. His game-winning hit helped the Padres secure back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in two decades (2005-06).
“It has not been a straight line,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said. “It has been grindy. But that makes it even more special.
“Adversity is a true indicator of character and team resilience, individually and then collectively. It’s a great achievement for the clubhouse. They deserve the credit. They are the ones that put in their blood, sweat and tears.”
Padres shortstop Jose Iglesias went 2 for 3 with a 409-foot solo homer. Designated hitter Gavin Sheets and first baseman Luis Arraez also drove in runs.
Padres starter Nick Pivetta allowed four hits and three runs over 5 2/3 innings. The Padres bullpen allowed just three hits and one run, which was unearned, over the final 5 1/3 innings.
The Brewers, who have MLB’s best record (95-62) and already clinched the National League Central division crown, allowed the game’s first run with a bases-loaded balk by starter Freddy Peralta in the first inning. They responded with a three-run second, but scored just once more over the final nine innings.
Iglesias cut into the deficit in the fifth. Arraez tied the score with a line-drive single in the seventh. The Brewers went back in front on a fielder’s choice in the 10th, but Sheets tied the score at 4-4 when he grounded into a force out in the bottom of the inning.
Iglesias started the bottom of the 11th with a sacrifice bunt, which pushed base runner Bryce Johnson to third base. Fermin then hit the first pitch he saw from Grant Anderson into left field to put the Padres in the playoffs.
The Padres (86-71) are on track to get the No. 5 seed, which could set up a wild card series with the No. 4 Chicago Cubs (88-68), who also clinched a wild card berth. The winner of that series would face the top-seeded Brewers in a National League Divisional Series if the playoffs start Tuesday.
The Philadelphia Phillies (92-64), who clinched the National League East crown, hold the No. 2 seed. The Los Angeles Dodgers (88-68), who clinched a postseason berth, but are still wrestling with the Padres for the National League West crown, sit in the No. 3 spot.
The Cincinnati Reds (80-76) and New York Mets (80-76) are the top teams battling for the National League’s last wild card playoff berth. The Toronto Blue Jays (90-66) are the only American League team with a confirmed postseason slot.
The Padres will host the Brewers in the second game of the series at 9:40 p.m. EDT Tuesday in San Diego. They will host the Reds in their final series of the regular season Friday through Sunday.
