In a fiery post-game interview, San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt didn’t hold back after his team’s 7-3 win over the Atlanta Braves, sending a bold message to their NL West rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Padres, who have been surging in recent weeks, are making it clear they have their sights set on October glory—and they’re not afraid of the powerhouse Dodgers standing in their way.
When asked about the significance of the win over the Braves, Shildt quickly pivoted to the bigger picture.
“Look, the Braves are a great ballclub, but we’re not here to just beat the Braves—we’re here to beat anybody that stands between us and a World Series,” Shildt said. “That includes the Dodgers. We’re not backing down from anyone.”
The Padres’ victory over the Braves marked their sixth win in eight games, further cementing their position as a legitimate postseason contender. With the Dodgers still widely considered the favorites in the National League, Shildt’s comments came across as both a warning and a challenge.
“We respect what the Dodgers have done,” Shildt continued. “But this isn’t the same Padres team they’re used to. We’re coming for it all.”
San Diego’s recent dominance has been fueled by its star power. Fernando Tatis Jr. delivered a monster performance against Atlanta, going 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs. Manny Machado added a key two-run double, while the bullpen slammed the door shut on the Braves’ late rally attempts.
The timing of Shildt’s statement is no coincidence. The Padres are set to face the Dodgers in a crucial series next week—a matchup that could have major postseason implications.
Padres fans are already buzzing about their team’s newfound swagger, and Shildt’s bold proclamation only adds fuel to the fire. With the rivalry intensifying and the playoffs looming, all eyes will be on San Diego and their mission to dethrone the perennial NL West kings.
One thing is clear: the Padres aren’t just aiming for a wildcard spot—they’re aiming for the crown. And they’re not afraid to say it.
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