Padres Clinch Playoff Berth with 11th-Inning Walk-Off Win Over Brewers: Game Recap & Highlights (Sept. 22, 2025)

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025

Padres Clinch Playoff Berth With Thrilling 11-Inning Win Over Brewers

The San Diego Padres secured their fourth playoff berth in six seasons with a dramatic 5-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in 11 innings at Petco Park. Freddy Fermin delivered the game-winning single, scoring the automatic runner Bryce Johnson and setting off a jubilant on-field celebration in front of a packed stadium.

Fermin's Clutch Hit Caps Walk-Off Victory

Freddy Fermin, who joined the Padres at the trade deadline, became the hero of the night by lacing the first pitch he saw from Grant Anderson into center field. As he reached first base, Fermin tossed his helmet and bat aside, celebrating a memorable finish in the Padres' push towards the postseason.

Padres Gain Ground in Tight NL Race

With the win, the Padres narrowed the gap in the National League West, pulling within 2.5 games of both the idle Los Angeles Dodgers in the division race and the Chicago Cubs in the competition for a wild card spot.

Brewers Looking to Secure Top Seed

The Brewers had already clinched their third consecutive NL Central title and are seeking to lock up the NL’s No. 1 seed. Despite this loss, the Brewers remain in a strong position heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

Game Highlights

After falling behind 3-1 early, the Padres commenced their comeback in the fifth inning with a solo home run from Jose Iglesias off Milwaukee ace Freddy Peralta. Later, three-time batting champion Luis Arraez tied the game in the seventh with a clutch two-out RBI single, celebrating enthusiastically with the fans on his bobblehead night.

Both teams managed to score once in the 10th inning, but it was the Padres who ultimately broke through in the 11th after Iglesias advanced Johnson to third with a bunt, setting up Fermin’s walk-off single.

Defensive Plays Shine in Extras

Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth was instrumental in the 11th inning, initiating a rundown that eliminated the Brewers’ automatic runner at third, and then starting a 4-3 double play to escape a bases-loaded jam.

Noteworthy Stats

Luis Arraez continued his hot streak with runners in scoring position, now delivering at least one RBI in four of his last five games in such scenarios.

Looking Ahead

In the next matchup, the Brewers are expected to start left-hander Bruce Zimmermann, recently called up from Triple-A Nashville. The Padres will counter with right-hander Randy Vásquez, who sports a 5-7 record and a 3.94 ERA.

In summary

The San Diego Padres edged the Milwaukee Brewers 5-4 in a thrilling, postseason-clinching 11-inning contest at Petco Park. Freddy Fermin’s walk-off single sealed the win, highlighted by late-inning drama, key defensive plays, and clutch hitting from Luis Arraez and Jose Iglesias. The Brewers, already NL Central champions, remain focused on securing the top seed, while the Padres keep their postseason hopes alive and move closer in the NL standings.

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