In a thrilling matchup at Petco Park on April 14, 2025, the San Diego Padres showcased their dominance with a 10-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs, improving their home record to an impressive 11-0. This win not only solidified their position as the best team in Major League Baseball with a 14-3 record but also marked a significant moment in franchise history, tying them with the 1998 NL pennant-winners for the best start ever.
Fernando Tatis Jr. was the star of the night, hitting two home runs and scoring the go-ahead run on a wild pitch. His performance included a solo homer in the third inning and a pivotal two-run shot in the eighth, bringing his season total to six homers, which ties him with seven other players for the league lead. Tatis has been on fire lately, with five home runs in his last six games and 12 career multi-homer games to his name.
The game started with the Cubs taking an early lead. After a fielding error by Padres' third baseman Manny Machado allowed Justin Turner to reach base, Michael Busch capitalized by hitting a two-run homer off Padres' pitcher Dylan Cease, putting the Cubs ahead 3-1 in the fourth inning. This homer ended a remarkable 37-inning scoreless streak for the Padres' pitching staff, a streak that had lasted since the third inning of a previous game against the Oakland Athletics.
The Cubs' lead, however, was short-lived. The Padres displayed their resilience, tying the game in the sixth inning. With one out, Machado walked, and Sheets’ high fly ball fell in front of left fielder Ian Happ, allowing him to reach safely. Xander Bogaerts then walked to load the bases, and Jose Iglesias’ swinging bunt plated a run, leveling the score at 3-3.
Then, in the seventh inning, the Padres took control. Tatis led off with a walk, followed by a double from Luis Arraez. Machado was intentionally walked, loading the bases for Gavin Sheets. A wild pitch allowed Tatis to score, giving the Padres a 4-3 lead. Sheets then delivered a two-run single, pushing his RBI total to 10 this season and extending the lead to 6-3.
In the eighth, Tatis struck again, hitting a two-run homer off Cubs reliever Eli Morgan that flew out on a 111-mph line, further extending the Padres' lead to 10-4. Luis Arraez also contributed with a homer, marking the first back-to-back homers for the Padres this season. This offensive explosion came after the Padres had already scored nine runs over the final three innings of the game.
Manager Mike Shildt praised his team’s effort, stating, "Every night they bring it. They’re hungry. The preparation has been really good. The execution has been equal. Everybody’s on board, not giving anything away in competition and ready to take everything." This attitude has certainly paid off, as the Padres have shown they are a formidable force at home, with their current streak tied for the fifth-longest in MLB history for the start of a season.
The crowd of 47,078 at Petco Park, the third-largest in the stadium's history, added to the electric atmosphere. Tatis expressed gratitude for the support, saying, "The crowd on your side is totally huge. It feeds us. It’s great momentum for us. Everybody can see it and feel it." It’s clear that the fans have played a crucial role in the Padres' success at home.
On the mound, Dylan Cease had a solid outing, striking out six batters and allowing three runs—two earned—over 5⅔ innings. Despite the early hiccup with the Cubs’ offense, he managed to keep his composure and contribute to the team’s overall performance. Cease noted, "I’m very happy I gave us a chance to win. I still think there’s a lot of room for improvement, but it was definitely an improvement from the last one." His ability to bounce back from a previous rough start against the Athletics shows the depth and resilience of the Padres' pitching staff.
As the Padres continue their series against the Cubs, they are set to face Cubs' left-hander Shota Imanaga, who has a 2-1 record and a 2.70 ERA, while the Padres will counter with right-hander Randy Vásquez, boasting a 1-1 record and a 1.72 ERA. This matchup promises to be another exciting chapter in what has already been a thrilling series between these two National League division leaders.
With their eyes set on maintaining their momentum, the Padres are not just looking to win games but also to make a statement as they strive for postseason success. As they continue to perform at this level, one can only wonder how far they can go this season.
