Friday night at Petco Park felt electric. Fernando TatÃs Jr. returned from a brief illness and blasted a game-changing grand slam, lifting the San Diego Padres to a 7-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The victory didn’t just give Padres fans a reason to celebrate — it also knocked Arizona out of postseason contention. San Diego picked up their 88th win, thanks to big nights from Luis Arraez and Yu Darvish, and a bullpen close from Mason Miller.
The Padres slammed the door on the Diamondbacks’ playoff hopes right there in Southern California.
Fernando TatÃs Jr.’s Grand Slam Shifts the Game
TatÃs came back after missing three games and wasted no time making noise. Down 2-1 in the fourth, he launched his fourth career grand slam — his first since 2021.
The crowd erupted as the ball sailed out, and the Padres took a lead they never gave back. That swing felt like a turning point, and you could sense the momentum shift instantly.
TatÃs’ Clutch Gene Returns
TatÃs has always had a flair for the dramatic. His absence earlier in the week was obvious, but his return? Absolutely decisive.
It’s the kind of moment that can light a fire heading into October. Padres fans, honestly, probably needed that jolt.
Luis Arraez Continues His Hot Streak
While TatÃs stole the spotlight, Luis Arraez kept doing what he does best. He collected his 22nd career four-hit game, pushing his hitting streak to 14 straight.
Arraez’s consistency has been crucial for the Padres down the stretch. It’s almost easy to take for granted, but it’s been a massive help.
An Offensive Engine
Arraez just keeps getting on base. He’s the kind of player who quietly keeps the offense humming every night.
As October approaches, having someone like him setting the table feels pretty invaluable. You can’t really teach that kind of reliability.
Diamondbacks’ Playoff Hopes Dashed
For Arizona, this loss stung more than most. It officially ended their playoff chase.
They’d clawed back from a 10-game deficit since August 1 and got close to the last NL wild card spot. But three straight losses ended that dream.
Marte and McCarthy Provide Bright Spots
Ketel Marte and Jake McCarthy tried to spark Arizona early, each launching home runs to build a lead. Those flashes of offense just weren’t enough to overcome the Padres’ surge.
Zac Gallen’s struggles on the mound didn’t help, either. Arizona fans probably felt the frustration mounting inning by inning.
Zac Gallen’s Rough Finale
Gallen might’ve made his last start for Arizona before free agency. He gave up six runs in a rough outing.
It capped off what ended up being his worst statistical season. Not the ending he wanted, and you could see the disappointment on his face.
Looking Ahead for Arizona
Now, the Diamondbacks face a lot of questions heading into the offseason. Gallen’s future and the team’s consistency are both up in the air.
After such a wild ride this season, it’s tough to say where they go from here.
Pitching Strength Carries Padres Over the Line
Yu Darvish played the steady hand, holding Arizona to two runs over five innings. When the Diamondbacks threatened late, Mason Miller shut the door for his 22nd save.
His fastball hit triple digits, blowing by Jorge Barrosa to end the game. Miller’s been a force out of the bullpen lately.
Impact Beyond the Win
The Padres’ win also kept the Chicago Cubs from clinching homefield advantage in the playoffs. Even with San Diego’s own postseason spot locked up, that could matter down the line.
Every little edge counts in October, doesn’t it?
What’s Next?
The series isn’t over yet. Saturday brings Michael King to the mound for San Diego, while Arizona turns to Eduardo Rodriguez.
The Padres have another shot to fine-tune before the playoffs. Arizona’s just playing for pride now — and maybe a little redemption before the curtain falls.
Final Thoughts
Games like Friday night’s really show how fast things can flip in baseball. TatÃs’ grand slam wasn’t just four runs—it felt like the moment the Diamondbacks’ season slipped away.
San Diego’s got veterans stepping up and young stars making noise. This team just seems ready for whatever October throws at them.
Here is the source article for this story: Fernando TatÃs Jr.’s grand slam sends Padres past Diamondbacks 7-4, eliminating Arizona
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