Baseball is a funny game. One day you’re staring at the standings thinking about playoff tickets, and the next, you’re watching a 100-mph fastball sail over the center-field wall while your postseason hopes evaporate in real-time. That’s exactly what the vibe was when the San Diego Padres vs Cincinnati Reds series rolled around this past September. It wasn't just a regular three-game set. It was a heavyweight fight where both teams were basically gasping for air in the National League Wild Card race.
If you weren't glued to the TV, you missed some of the weirdest, most stressful baseball of the 2025 season. We saw home run robberies, extra-inning bunts gone wrong, and a pinch-hitter named Miguel Andujar basically becoming a Cincinnati folk hero overnight. Honestly, if you’re a Padres fan, this series is probably still a bit of a sore spot.
The Walk-Off That Felt Like a Turning Point (But Wasn't)
The series kicked off on September 8th at Petco Park, and for a minute there, it looked like San Diego was going to steamroll their way into October. The game was tight—kinda suffocating, actually. Yu Darvish was on the mound, doing his usual thing, but he ran into some trouble with TJ Friedl and Austin Hays.
By the time the 10th inning rolled around, it was tied 3-3.
Then things got weird.
The Reds brought in Nick Martinez, a guy who used to wear a Padres jersey. Baseball gods love irony, right? Martinez committed a throwing error on a bunt by Freddy Fermín, which moved the automatic runner, Jake Cronenworth, over to third. That set the stage for Fernando Tatis Jr. He didn't need a home run. He just needed a fly ball. He got it, the run scored, and the Padres won 4-4. The stadium was electric. You’ve seen the clips of the mob at first base—it felt like the season was saved.
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But momentum in baseball is only as good as the next day’s starting pitcher.
How the Reds Flipped the Script
The next two nights were a masterclass in how to ruin a party. On Tuesday, the Padres were leading until the 9th. Robert Suarez, usually a lock-down closer, walked Gavin Lux. Then Tyler Stephenson stepped up. He’d already been robbed of a homer earlier in the game by Tatis—a catch that looked like it defied physics. But Stephenson didn't care. He crushed a two-run shot into the brick warehouse at Petco.
Reds win, 4-2.
The series finale was even more of a gut-punch for San Diego. Nick Pivetta was pitching the game of his life—seven scoreless innings. The Padres had a 1-0 lead. It felt safe. It wasn't. In the 8th inning, Elly De La Cruz (who is basically a video game character in human form) and Miguel Andujar drove in runs to flip the lead. The Reds took the game 2-1 and the series.
For the San Diego Padres vs Cincinnati Reds matchup, that was the season. The Reds pulled within a few games of a playoff spot, while the Padres started looking over their shoulders at the Dodgers.
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Key Stats from the 2025 Series
To really understand how close these two teams were, look at the roster breakdown and the box scores.
- Jackson Merrill’s Heroics: The kid was everywhere. He hit a tying, two-run triple in the first game and another triple in the second. He finished the season with an average hovering around .300, proving he's the real deal.
- Pitching Dominance: Despite the losses, the Padres' staff was nasty. Mason Miller was hitting 101.8 mph on the radar gun. 101.8! That’s not even fair.
- The De La Cruz Factor: Elly didn't have a massive series statistically, but his presence on the basepaths changed how San Diego had to pitch. You could see the pitchers overthinking every move.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Rematch
We’re currently sitting in January 2026, and the rosters are already shifting. The Padres just finalized arbitration with guys like Jason Adam and Freddy Fermín. There’s a lot of talk about Ethan Salas, the 19-year-old catching phenom. He had a rough 2025 with a back injury, but if he’s healthy for Spring Training, the Padres’ lineup gets a lot deeper.
On the Cincinnati side, the front office is playing it a bit safe. They’re bringing back a lot of the same core—Friedl, McLain, and Steer. They did pick up Pierce Johnson to bolster the bullpen, which was a smart move after seeing how many close games they played last year.
The first time these two meet in 2026 is actually coming up fast. They’ve got a Spring Training matchup scheduled for February 26th at Goodyear Ballpark.
Why This Matchup Still Matters
Most people think of the Padres and Reds as just two mid-tier National League teams, but the rivalry has become surprisingly salty. Since 2007, these teams have played dozens of times, and the record is incredibly even. In the last three seasons alone, they are tied 9-9.
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It’s a clash of styles. You’ve got the Padres, who are built on high-priced stars and a "win-now" mentality. Then you’ve got the Reds, who are riding a wave of young, fast, and relatively cheap talent.
When you watch San Diego Padres vs Cincinnati Reds, you’re watching two different philosophies on how to build a baseball team. Sometimes the money wins. Sometimes the speed wins.
What You Should Watch For Next
If you’re tracking these teams through the off-season, keep an eye on the injury reports. Joe Musgrove is expected back for the start of the season, which is huge for San Diego's rotation. On the flip side, the Reds are hoping Hunter Greene can finally stay healthy for a full 162-game stretch.
If both rotations are healthy by May, their first regular-season series is going to be a bloodbath.
Practical Steps for Fans
- Check the Spring Training Schedule: If you're in Arizona or planning a trip, the February 26th game is the first look at the new-look rosters.
- Monitor the Bullpen Moves: The Reds just signed Pierce Johnson; see if the Padres counter by adding another late-inning arm before February.
- Fantasy Value: Keep Jackson Merrill on your radar. His performance against the Reds showed he thrives under pressure, which is exactly what you want in a dynasty league.
Baseball is a long season, but games in September are won in January. The moves being made right now will determine if the next San Diego Padres vs Cincinnati Reds series is for a playoff spot or just for pride.