In October 2022, the San Diego Padres pulled off one of baseball’s biggest October upsets by eliminating the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Division Series, despite the Dodgers posting 111 wins in the regular season—the best record in the majors that year. It marked San Diego’s first trip to a League Championship Series since 1998, and the franchise’s first October run as a legitimate contender under the leadership of Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. of the Dominican Republic.
The Giant Falls: 111 Wins Weren’t Enough
The Los Angeles Dodgers entered October as clear favorites. Their 111-51 regular season made them the year’s most dominant team, with a star-studded roster led by Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Clayton Kershaw. Yet in a five-game Division Series, the Padres proved that pure win totals don’t guarantee October success. San Diego won the series 3-1, powered by timely hitting and resilience that the Dodgers couldn’t overcome in a short format.
Manny Machado’s October Leadership
Manny Machado, the Padres’ third baseman, was the driving force behind the upset. A Gold Glove defender with clutch power, Machado embodied the competitive fire San Diego needed. Paired with Fernando Tatis Jr.’s offensive potential, Machado formed a duo the Dodgers couldn’t fully contain when the games mattered most. His presence at the plate and in the field shifted momentum in critical moments.
The Road to the League Championship Series
Beating the Dodgers sent the Padres to face the Houston Astros in the League Championship Series. Though San Diego ultimately fell short of the World Series, the achievement of eliminating the team with the most regular-season wins was transformational for the franchise. It proved that in October, momentum and clutch execution trump accumulated statistics.
The 2022 Legacy for San Diego
This Padres team marked the franchise’s return as a serious October contender. Under manager Bob Melvin, San Diego showed it could compete with the National League’s elite. While the season ended without a championship, the run to October and the Dodgers upset planted seeds for future competitive campaigns in Southern California.
| Team | Regular Season Wins | 2022 Division Series Result |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 111 | Eliminated by Padres (3-1) |
| San Diego Padres | 89 | Division Series Winners |
| Houston Astros | 106 | League Championship Series Winners |
FAQ
Why did the 111-win Dodgers lose to the Padres?
In a five-game Division Series, momentum and clutch execution can override regular-season dominance. The Padres hit in key moments and played solid defense, while the Dodgers couldn’t sustain their regular-season form.
How far did the Padres go in 2022?
San Diego advanced to the League Championship Series, where they faced the Houston Astros. They didn’t reach the World Series, but it was their first trip to the LCS since 1998.
Who managed the Padres in 2022?
Bob Melvin managed the Padres during the 2022 campaign, leading the team back to October as a legitimate contender.
