Fernando Tatis Jr. Powers Padres Past White Sox 3-2 as San Diego Nears Playoff Berth

Sunday, September 21st, 2025

San Diego Padres Defeat Chicago White Sox 3-2, Move Closer to Playoff Berth

Fernando Tatis Jr. delivered a key home run as the San Diego Padres edged out the Chicago White Sox 3-2 on Sunday, inching closer to securing a postseason spot.

The victory means the Padres are on the verge of clinching a second straight National League playoff appearance, potentially as early as Monday, when they open a three-game home series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Game Highlights

San Diego starting pitcher Michael King improved his record to 5-3 after throwing five scoreless innings. He allowed four hits, four walks, and struck out four batters. The Padres bullpen got the job done with All-Star Robert Suarez locking down his 40th save in a tight ninth inning, working as the last of five relievers.

The Padres took control in the second inning, scoring twice against White Sox starter Sean Burke. Jackson Merrill crossed the plate on a misplaced pickoff attempt, and Gavin Sheets later scored on Jake Cronenworth’s RBI single. Tatis Jr. followed by launching his 23rd home run in the third inning, extending the Padres' lead. Burke allowed two earned runs on six hits and struck out four in his start, falling to 4-11 on the season.

White Sox Rally Falls Short

Chicago made a push in the seventh inning as Miguel Vargas and Andrew Benintendi each walked with the bases loaded against reliever Mason Miller, narrowing the deficit. However, the Padres’ bullpen held firm, limiting the White Sox to just five hits for the entire game. The White Sox lost for the 98th time this season in front of their home fans and now must win five of their final six games to avoid a third consecutive 100-loss season—a potential club record.

Key Moment

Michael King was relieved in the sixth inning after allowing two singles and a walk. Left-hander Adrian Morejon stepped in, recording an easy popup and sandwiching it between two crucial strikeouts to keep the White Sox off the scoreboard and maintain San Diego's lead.

Key Stat

The Padres held the White Sox to just five hits throughout the game. Chicago drew four walks in the seventh inning, which was the only frame in which they scored.

Up Next

The Padres return home to face the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday. San Diego has not announced its starting pitcher, while Milwaukee will send right-hander Freddy Peralta (17-6, 2.65 ERA) to the mound.

The White Sox head to New York to take on the Yankees on Tuesday, with right-hander Shane Smith (6-8, 4.06 ERA) scheduled to start for Chicago.

In summary

The San Diego Padres continued their march toward the postseason with a close 3-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Strong pitching from Michael King and key offensive moments, highlighted by Fernando Tatis Jr.’s homer, helped secure another win. The Padres’ bullpen remained reliable, and the team is poised to secure a playoff berth in the coming days. Meanwhile, the White Sox's struggles persist as they try to avoid an unwanted record at the end of what has been a tough season.

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