Padres Already Showing Major Improvement in Key On-Field Metric

One of the key areas the San Diego Padres have stepped up their game this season is their performance in close games. The Padres specifically struggled in games decided by one run during the 2023 season, putting up just a 9-23 record in such games. So far this season, San Diego has turned the tide in this area.

Currently, the Padres are 3-2 in one-run games this season, winning their last two games decided by one-run. This included an 8-7 win last Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Padres trailed 7-3 after the first three innings, before coming back to earn the win in extra innings. They similarly earned a one-run win over the Chicago Cubs the week before, coming back to win 9-8.

Padres manager Mike Shildt credited the team's 'mindset' for their ability to close out these games and come back to win.

“Winner’s find solutions,” Shildt said, via Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. “It’s a mindset. Guys competing in any and every situation. And they are playing the game the right way, regardless of whether they are up (or) down, they are playing it to compete and win, so it’s a great mindset. I’m proud of the guys to have, and it’s good to have at the beginning of the season. It’s only going to get getter.”

This kind of mindset will be crucial for the Padres if they want to improve off their disappointing 2023 campaign. The Padres missed the postseason after making it the season before, with these close games becoming a significant factor in the team's end of season record. This year, these close wins have allowed the Padres to come back to a 10-9 record entering Tuesday's play.