Diamondbacks Beat Padres, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

The Arizona Diamondbacks kept their playoff hopes alive with an 11-2 victory over the San Diego Padres, finishing their regular season with an 89-73 record. Their postseason fate hinges on a doubleheader between the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves, both of whom are 88-72; if either team sweeps, the Diamondbacks advance, but a split would eliminate them. Ketel Marte's two-run homer was a highlight in a six-run fourth inning for Arizona. The Padres, despite the loss, have secured a playoff spot and await the outcome of the doubleheader to determine if they'll face the Braves or Mets. Luis Arraez of the Padres is on the verge of winning his third consecutive batting title with a .314 average. Both teams now shift focus to the playoffs with the Padres possibly benefiting from the doubleheader depleting their potential opponents' pitching staff.