Padres Bullpen Shines in Victory Over Rockies, Moves Closer to Wild Card Race
DENVER — The San Diego Padres continue to make moves and solidify their position as contenders in the National League. After a whirlwind 24 hours leading up to the trade deadline, the Padres reeled off a pair of victories over the Colorado Rockies, moving them within four games in the NL Wild Card race.
In Wednesday’s series finale against the Rockies, the Padres were forced to cover a second consecutive bullpen game after Joe Musgrove was scratched due to shoulder soreness. Acquired in a trade with the Kansas City Royals just before the deadline, Scott Barlow stepped up and pitched 1 2/3 scoreless and hitless innings in his Padres debut.
Barlow’s journey to the mound was not an easy one. He had to catch a flight out of Kansas City at 3 a.m., landed in Denver at 7 a.m., and faced traffic on his way to the team hotel. Despite the challenges, Barlow delivered an impressive performance, helping the Padres secure an 11-1 victory.
The Padres’ offense also had a standout day, hitting five monstrous home runs. Fernando Tatis Jr. launched his 100th career home run, while Ha-Seong Kim, Juan Soto, and Gary Sánchez also contributed to the offensive onslaught. Tatis’ blast in the ninth inning put the game out of reach and made history, as the Padres became the first team since Statcast began tracking in 2015 to hit five homers of at least 425 feet in the same game.
Not to be overshadowed, the Padres’ bullpen was equally impressive. Called into duty on short notice and facing challenging conditions at Coors Field, the Padres’ relievers combined for a four-hit performance.
The back-to-back victories over the Rockies have brought the Padres closer to a playoff spot than they have been since mid-June. With the trade deadline behind them, the Padres are fully committed to their goal of reaching the postseason in 2023.
“I think [chairman Peter Seidler] and [general manager A.J. Preller], they have faith in this team,” said Manny Machado. “That faith hasn’t left. They still believe in everyone in this clubhouse. Since Spring Training, we’ve hit some bumps on the road, but we know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Everyone in here knows that we have a goal to reach.”
The Padres will now enjoy a much-needed off-day before facing the rival Los Angeles Dodgers in a four-game weekend series. With the reinforcements they’ve acquired and the team clicking on all cylinders, the Padres are poised to continue their push towards the playoffs.
How did the Padres’ bullpen contribute to their victory over the Rockies?
Padres debut. Barlow’s strong performance was crucial in the Padres’ 8-1 victory over the Rockies.
The Padres’ bullpen as a whole was the true star of the game, as they combined for 7 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. After Barlow’s impressive outing, Pierce Johnson, Tim Hill, Drew Pomeranz, and Austin Adams followed suit with dominant performances of their own. This collective effort from the bullpen allowed the Padres to hold on to their commanding lead and secure the win.
San Diego’s bullpen has been a strength all season, and their performance against the Rockies showcased their reliability and depth. With multiple key injuries to their starting rotation, the Padres have heavily relied on their bullpen to step up and fill the void. And so far, they have delivered.
The victory over the Rockies was especially crucial for the Padres, as it moved them closer to the NL Wild Card race. With only four games separating them from a playoff spot, every win becomes even more important. The Padres’ strong bullpen performance gives them momentum and confidence as they continue to fight for a postseason berth.
While the Padres made headlines before the trade deadline with their major acquisitions, it was the bullpen that proved to be the difference-maker in this particular game. Their ability to shut down the Rockies’ offense allowed the Padres’ offense to thrive and put runs on the board.
As the regular season enters its final stretch, the Padres are a team to watch. Their strong bullpen, combined with their potent lineup, gives them a chance to make a deep playoff run. And with every win, they inch closer to securing a spot in the NL Wild Card race.
The Padres came out swinging and showed their determination to make it to the playoffs. Their power moves against the Rockies prove they are a force to be reckoned with. Go Padres!