San Diego Padres Move Closer to Playoffs With 7-3 Win Over Chicago White Sox on September 20, 2025

Saturday, September 20th, 2025

San Diego Padres Defeat Chicago White Sox 7-3, Move Closer to Playoff Berth

The San Diego Padres took a big step toward securing their second consecutive playoff appearance by beating the Chicago White Sox 7-3 on Saturday night in Chicago. The Padres, currently holding the second wild card spot, improved to 84-71, reducing their magic number for clinching a postseason spot to four.

Padres Rally in Sixth Inning

Ryan O’Hearn delivered the game’s decisive hit with a tiebreaking three-run double during a four-run sixth inning. O'Hearn finished with three hits on the night, helping the Padres capitalize on three wild pitches and three walks issued by the White Sox during the inning. The offensive outburst chased Chicago starter Yoendrys Gómez out of the game after he gave up three runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Key Performances

Jackson Merrill opened the scoring for San Diego with a solo home run to lead off the second inning and went on to score three runs overall. Fernando Tatis Jr. kickstarted the big sixth-inning rally with a leadoff single and scored on Manny Machado’s game-tying single, ending Gómez’s outing. Fraser Ellard struggled in relief for the White Sox, issuing three walks and allowing O'Hearn's bases-clearing double.

Yu Darvish started for the Padres, pitching 4 2/3 innings and giving up two runs and six hits. Adrian Morejon earned the win in relief with 1 1/3 innings of work. Gavin Sheets had an RBI single in the eighth for the White Sox, who have now dropped seven of their last eight games. Lenyn Sosa added a solo home run in the ninth for Chicago. With the loss, the White Sox fell to 58-97.

Key Moment

In the sixth inning, left-handed hitter Ryan O'Hearn lined a 2-2 fastball the opposite way for a three-run double to left field, breaking the tie and putting the Padres in control of the game.

Key Stat

The White Sox must win five of their final seven games to avoid a third consecutive 100-loss season. This would mark the first time in franchise history they have reached triple-digit losses in back-to-back seasons.

Up Next

The Padres will send right-hander Michael King (4-3, 3.84 ERA) to the mound to face White Sox right-hander Sean Burke (4-10, 4.29 ERA) in the next game of the series.

In summary

The San Diego Padres overcame the Chicago White Sox with a commanding 7-3 victory, highlighted by Ryan O'Hearn's clutch three-run double in a pivotal sixth inning. Strong performances from Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr., combined with opportunistic hitting and patience at the plate, propelled the Padres one step closer to clinching a playoff spot. The White Sox continue their struggles, facing the possibility of a third consecutive 100-loss season.

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