What unfolded Friday night at Petco Park was not a particularly well-played baseball game, which you would half-expect considering the 2024 White Sox were involved. But the Padres are headed to the playoffs.

SAN DIEGO — It took three pitches, ranging in velocity from 99.4 mph to 100.2 mph, for Robert Suarez to reach two strikes Friday at Petco Park against the potential final batter, a little-known infielder for one of the worst teams in major-league history.

The San Diego Padres have been the best team in baseball since the All-Star break, blazing a trail toward the playoffs to the tune of a 35-16 second-half record. The return of Fernando Tatis Jr. gives them a full and powerful lineup,

The Padres move closer to playoff berth even as their closer struggles; Joe Musgrove gets ERA under 4.00 for first time this season as his post-IL excellence continues