Padres Hit Three Ninth Inning Home Runs, Beat Diamondbacks 5-0

The San Diego Padres defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks Saturday 5-0, keeping Arizona tied for the final wild card spot heading into the final full day of the regular season Sunday.

The Padres bats were cold most of the night, but came alive in the ninth inning with three home runs. Catcher Kyle Higashioka hit a two-run home run to put San Diego ahead, and was immediately followed by a solo home run from outfielder Brandon Lockridge, the first of his career.

“That’s really cool man, congratulations to him,” said Padres manager Mike Schildt postgame. “That’s a big milestone.”

Infielder Donovan Solano later added on with a two-run home run, capping off a five run final frame for the Padres.

Padres starting pitcher Randy Vasquez struck out four batters over six innings. The Diamondbacks were held to just two hits the entire night.

There will be one more full day of regular season games Sunday, however the Monday double-header between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves still holds massive potential to shake up the wild card standings.

Schildt rested key players tonight, including infielder Luis Arraez and outfielders Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. but acknowledged the fight in his club, no matter the lineup.

“There’s no question this club, regardless of who we put out there, is going to compete and play to win the game,” Schildt said.

Entering Sunday’s games, the Braves hold a one game lead over both the Mets and Diamondbacks in the wild card standings. The Braves won Saturday over the Kansas City Royals, while the Mets were shutout by the Milwaukee Brewers.

Sunday’s series finale is scheduled for 12:10 p.m.