The San Diego Padres are closing in on something they couldn’t pull off just a week ago – a sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
After getting swept by LA on the road last weekend, the Padres have flipped the script at Petco Park. They’ve taken the first two games of this series and now sit just nine innings away from returning the favor to their division rivals.
What’s driving this turnaround? Home-field advantage is playing a massive role.
The Padres faithful aren’t just showing up – they’re showing up in record numbers. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that San Diego is projected to set their franchise attendance record for the third straight year, drawing nearly 3.4 million fans. Their average attendance of 42,521 ranks second in the majors behind only the Dodgers.
That’s the kind of atmosphere that can swing a series.
The timing couldn’t be better. With a chance to sweep LA and open up a two-game lead in the NL West, Sunday Night Baseball at Petco Park figures to be electric. The Padres have positioned themselves as legitimate World Series contenders after their aggressive trade deadline moves, and the fans are responding.
“They are projected to set the franchise attendance record for the third consecutive year at nearly 3.4 million. Their average attendance of 42,521 ranks second in the major leagues behind only the Dodgers.”
It’s been a remarkable transformation for this franchise. Three consecutive years of record attendance speaks to what A.J. Preller and the front office have built in San Diego. When you combine one of baseball’s premier ballparks with a team that’s gone all-in on winning, this is what you get.
The Padres proved their trade deadline acquisitions were worth it with how they’ve played down the stretch. Now they’ve got a chance to make a statement against the Dodgers in front of what should be another packed house.
From where I’m sitting, that’s the kind of home-field advantage that can carry a team deep into October.
