Padres clinch playoff spot with triple play against Dodgers

On a pivotal Tuesday night in Los Angeles, the San Diego Padres secured a playoff spot by defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-2. This victory was highlighted by a remarkable triple play in the ninth inning, executed by Manny Machado and the team, which preserved their lead. The Padres, who missed the postseason last year, have now clinched their eighth playoff berth in franchise history, ensuring at least a National League wild card with five games remaining in the regular season. The Padres are currently two games behind the Dodgers in the NL West standings, with two games left in their series. They have performed exceptionally well against Los Angeles this season, boasting an 8-3 record in their head-to-head matchups, which gives them the tiebreaker advantage. This season marks a significant turnaround for the Padres, as they have achieved over 90 wins for the first time since 2010. The team has been on a strong run since the All-Star break, holding the best record in Major League Baseball at 41-17. Their recent success is not just about clinching a playoff spot; it is also a tribute to their late owner, Peter Seidler, who passed away last year. Seidler had deep connections to the Dodgers, being the grandson of the team's original owner, Walter O'Malley. Having reached the playoffs last year and eliminated both the Mets and Dodgers before falling to Philadelphia in the NL Championship Series, the Padres are now focused on their ultimate goal: winning their first World Series title. This ambition is fueled by their recent achievements and the legacy of their late owner.