Bogaerts helps Padres win and advance in playoffs

SAN DIEGO — Aruban baseball player Xander Bogaerts played an important role in the San Diego Padres’ 4–1 victory over the Chicago Cubs. The win completed a two-game Wild Card sweep and sent the Padres to the National League Division Series (NLDS).

Bogaerts drove in the game’s opening run in the second inning with a single that brought Ty France home. Ethan Salas then extended the lead to 2–0 with a sacrifice fly.

In the fourth inning, Bogaerts contributed again with a double. Pinch-hitter Gavin Sheets followed with a two-run home run, scoring Bogaerts to make it 4–1.

The Padres’ bullpen kept the Cubs scoreless for the remainder of the game, while Mason Miller earned his first career postseason save in front of 47,513 fans at Petco Park.

With Bogaerts part of the team’s playoff push, San Diego will face the Milwaukee Brewers in the next round, a best-of-five series.