Through 16 games, the San Diego Padres lead the National League West with a 13-3 record. In addition to having Major League Baseball’s best record, they are two wins in front of defending World Series champions Los Angeles Dodgers.
While the Padres do have firepower from the bat, they can credit their defense for this impressive start. San Diego did not surrender a run throughout their last three-game series against the Colorado Rockies.
Getting another shutout makes the Padres the second team in MLB history to complete at least six shutouts in their first 16 games, joining the 1966 Cleveland Indians. Meanwhile, San Diego completed the 34th series shutout in MLB history dating back to 1901.
Coincidentally, before the Padres, the Indians last did this feat against the Kansas City Chiefs in August 2017. Likewise, the Padres lead all MLB teams in opponent runs per game (2.69).
Finally, the Padres’ ten-game home winning streak to start the season is tied for the fourth longest in MLB history. Only the 2003 Royals (11), the 2009 Dodgers (13), and the 2023 Tampa Bay Rays (14) have longer streaks. The Padres can extend their home streak when they start their three-game series against the Chicago Cubs.
-Lance Fernandez