Padres Slug Their Way to Consecutive Series Wins

Jul 23, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop

(5) steals third base against the Chicago Cubs during the eighth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

After this series, the Padres re-claimed their spot in third place in the National League West. They are a game and a half ahead of the Diamondbacks and three and a half ahead of the Rockies. The Cubs are barely beating out the Rockies for the National League cellar by a half game and have the third-worst record in the MLB. The Padres have played well against the National League Central Division, going 11-8 so far including a 5-1 record against the Reds. Only the Braves have a better record of teams outside the central against that division, which is considered by most to be the most competitive division in the National League and possibly in all of baseball. After 101 games, the Padres have the exact same record (45-56) as they did last year, only last year that was good enough for last place in the division. This year, the NL West is more top-heavy. The Padres now head to Atlanta for 4 games, a team they are yet to play this year. This series was very encouraging. This should give them a ton of confidence heading into a stretch where they play 3 consecutive series with a potential playoff team.