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Lights-out bullpen deployed to perfection in Padres’ Wild Card Series clinch

SAN DIEGO -- The lights cut out, Korn’s “Blind” blared, the sellout Petco Park crowd rose to their feet roaring and Mason Miller seemingly spawned onto the mound for the start of the ninth inning. The game was over. The…

Published: Thursday, 1 October 2026 at 8:39 AM
Lights-out bullpen deployed to perfection in Padres’ Wild Card Series clinch
Key Things to Know
  • San Diego's bullpen threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings to clinch the Wild Card Series with a 4-1 win.
  • Relievers Bradgley Rodriguez, Jason Adam, Adrian Morejon, and Mason Miller allowed just three baserunners in relief of Nick Pivetta.
  • Gavin Sheets helped seal the victory with a pinch-hit home run in the fourth inning.
The Story in 60 Seconds

The San Diego Padres clinched their National League Wild Card Series with a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs in Game 2 at Petco Park. Manager Craig Stammen turned to his bullpen early, using Bradgley Rodriguez, Jason Adam, Adrian Morejon, and Mason Miller to cover the final 5 2/3 scoreless innings after starter Nick Pivetta exited in the fourth inning.

Gavin Sheets extended the lead with a pinch-hit home run, while San Diego's relievers held Chicago's offense to just three baserunners. Key Cubs hitters Pete Crow-Armstrong and Alex Bregman finished the series a combined 0-for-15, sending the Padres to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series.

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