Gavin Sheets’ pinch-hit homer propels dominant Padres past Cubs 4-1 for 2-game Wild Card sweep

The San Diego Padres swept the Chicago Cubs in the NL Wild Card series with a 4-1 victory in Game 2 at Petco Park. Gavin Sheets delivered a pivotal pinch-hit home run in the fourth inning off Daniel Palencia to secure the lead. San Diego's pitching staff stifled Chicago's offense across the two games, limiting them to just one run and eight hits in 18 total innings.

Bradgley Rodríguez earned the win in relief after escaping a bases-loaded jam, while Mason Miller closed out the ninth inning for the save. Ethan Salas drove in a run while making history as the youngest catcher in major league postseason history. With the series victory, the Padres advance to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series.