Yesterday, my family and I went to the San Diego Padres vs Chicago White Sox game and they clinched the playoffs for the first time since 2006. At the stadium, the fans were energetic and loud the entire game which made the game more entertaining to watch. Throughout the game, Blake Snell, who pitches for the Padres, did a fantastic job pitching through the sixth inning allowing three hits including a solo home run to Elvis Andrus in the sixth inning. During the game, Lance Lynn, who pitches for the White Sox, did an outstanding job pitching through the seventh inning allowing five hits including a solo home run to Ha Seong Kim in the seventh inning. After the sixth inning, the Padres used their bullpen for the remainder of the game that did a phenomenal job allowing two hits including a RBI single to Adam Engel in the seventh inning. In the eighth inning, the White Sox used their bullpen for the rest of the game that did an impressive job allowing three hits including a single to Juan Soto in the eighth inning. During the ninth inning, the Padres attempted to take the lead as Josh Bell and Austin Nola were on base with our best hitter Jorge Alfaro up to bat but unfortunately he struck out.

Although the Padres lost, they were still able to clinch the playoffs since the Milwaukee Brewers lost in extra innings against the Miami Marlins. As the news broke out, the entire stadium was on their feet cheering for the team and my emotions went through the roof since I have never seen them play in the playoffs. While watching the game, I was trying so hard to control my emotions but once the Padres announced they were going to the playoffs tears started rolling down my face and wouldn’t stop until we left the stadium.

Personally, I am very proud of the Padres for making the playoffs despite the challenges they faced this season. Hopefully the Padres will make it to the world series and wish them the best for the postseason.

Sincerely,

Taylor Leonard aka Beyond the Bases