The Padres spent 131 days in first place in the National League West in 2010 (148 days if you count off-days). As recently as Aug. 25, they had a 6.5-game lead in the division. But then September came along, and they stopped scoring runs. They dropped their first four games in September as part of a 10-game losing streak. Overall, the Padres were just 12-16 ... during the same stretch of time that the Giants went 18-8.
2010 MLB Playoffs Scenarios: Things Look Bleak For Padres
And now, after San Francisco’s win on Thursday, coupled with San Diego’s loss -- the fourth in their past five games -- the Padres find themselves three games back in the N.L. West, and two games out of the Wild Card. In short, things aren’t looking good for the Padres.
They head to San Francisco for three games, with the Giants' magic number at one. Meaning if San Diego looses once this weekend, the Giants win the division. And it's not much better in the Wild Card, where the Braves' magic number is down to just two -- a combination of an Atlanta win and a Padres' loss would officially eliminate any postseason hopes San Diego is still clinging to.
But the Padres aren't dead (just on life support, with a 7.6% chance of making the playoffs). If they sweep the Giants, and win Monday's tiebreaker that it would force with San Francisco, they would win the West. A sweep coupled with the Braves winning all three against the Phillies would also clinch the West for Padres (with no need for a one-game playoff; the Padres would have won the season series with the Giants). San Diego can also secure a one-game playoff Monday at Atlanta with two wins and three Braves losses. Or even a tiebreaker on Tuesday if the Padres sweep, then lose Monday's game with the Giants, and the Phillies win two of three against the Braves.
Or it could all end for the Padres Friday night if they lose and the Braves win.
N.L. West Race
Giants hold a three-game lead over Padres, and clinch with just one win this weekend
N.L. Wild Card Race
Braves have two-game lead over Padres, and clinch with a win coupled with a Padres loss
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