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The Arizona Diamondbacks (80-81) travel to San Diego Sunday afternoon to face the Padres (89-72) at PETCO Park, with Geraldo Perdomo sitting on 99 RBIs and needing just one more to reach the century mark. Despite being on the road, this season finale represents a chance for Arizona to finish above .500 while giving their star infielder a memorable milestone.
Game Information
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 3:10 p.m. ET / 12:10 p.m. local
Location: PETCO Park, San Diego
TV Coverage: San Diego Padres Audio, Arizona Sports (ARID)
Betting Lines: Padres -158, Diamondbacks +133
Run Total: 7.5 runs
Spread: Padres -1.5
Pitching Matchup: Sears vs Pfaadt
JP Sears Makes Season Debut
JP Sears gets his first start of the season for San Diego, which creates uncertainty about what to expect. Making a debut in a meaningful late-season game represents a significant challenge, especially against Arizona’s potent offense.
The lack of recent starting experience could work in the Diamondbacks’ favor, particularly early in the game.
Brandon Pfaadt Closes Strong Season
Brandon Pfaadt takes the mound for his 33rd start with a 13-8 record. The right-hander has been Arizona’s most consistent starter throughout the season, and this road finale gives him another chance to showcase his development.
Pfaadt’s experience against NL West opponents should serve him well in this crucial late-season contest.
Diamondbacks Offense: Chasing History and .500
Geraldo Perdomo’s Milestone Chase
Perdomo enters Sunday with 99 RBIs and a team-leading .291 batting average. Reaching 100 RBIs would cap off what’s been an outstanding individual season and provide a perfect ending to Arizona’s campaign.
His development into a consistent run producer has been one of the season’s most encouraging storylines for Diamondbacks fans.
Corbin Carroll Provides Power
Corbin Carroll leads the team with 31 home runs, bringing the dynamic ability that makes him Arizona’s most exciting offensive weapon. Playing at PETCO Park, where the dimensions can favor certain hitters, gives him opportunities for impact swings.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Ketel Marte contributes 27 home runs while batting .283, and Gabriel Moreno provides steady contact at .286. This Diamondbacks offense ranks 5th in baseball with 787 runs scored, proving they can compete with anyone when clicking.
Padres Looking to Finish Strong
Star Power Throughout Lineup
Manny Machado leads San Diego with 26 home runs and 93 RBIs, while Luis Arraez paces the team with a .292 batting average. Fernando Tatis Jr. contributes 158 hits with solid all-around production.
Ryan O’Hearn adds depth with 131 hits and a .437 slugging percentage, giving the Padres multiple offensive threats.
Contact-Heavy Philosophy
The Padres emphasize making contact, striking out just 7.2 times per game (3rd in MLB) with a .252 team batting average (7th). This approach has been effective throughout the season.
Key Statistical Comparison
Arizona holds a significant offensive advantage:
- Runs scored: Diamondbacks 787 vs Padres 690
- Home runs: Diamondbacks 213 vs Padres 151
- Team batting average: Diamondbacks .251 vs Padres .252
However, San Diego’s pitching staff provides a major edge with their 3.63 ERA (3rd in MLB) compared to Arizona’s 4.46 (23rd).
Betting Analysis
The Diamondbacks have performed exceptionally well as underdogs at these odds, going 10-8 (55.6%) when facing odds of +133 or higher. This success rate suggests they compete better when expectations are manageable.
San Diego has been solid as favorites at 54-37 (59.3%) overall, though their record at similar odds to Sunday’s -158 is 24-17 (58.5%).
Key Injuries
Padres: Ramon Laureano remains on the 10-day IL with a finger issue, while several pitchers are on various IL stints.
Diamondbacks: Long-term losses continue to impact pitching depth, though the position players remain mostly healthy.
Game Prediction
Final Score: Diamondbacks 6, Padres 5
Total: Over 7.5 runs
Arizona’s strong performance as underdogs at these odds, combined with Sears making his season debut and Perdomo’s milestone chase, creates an compelling narrative for the road team. The Diamondbacks’ superior offensive numbers should help them compete despite the venue.
Pfaadt’s experience gives Arizona a pitching edge over an unknown commodity in Sears. The desert team’s desperate push to finish above .500, combined with individual milestones on the line, provides extra motivation.
Both offenses should find success, making this an entertaining season finale that goes over the total while giving Diamondbacks fans something special to celebrate.
Let´s go D-backs!!!
