Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Freddy Fermin slapped a single over the infield to beat the Milwaukee Brewers in extra innings and send the San Diego Padres to the playoffs in walk-off style.
The Padres' catcher played hero in the 11th inning of the 5-4 triumph Monday in San Diego. His connection with the first-pitch sweeper helped the Padres clinch the National League's second postseason wild card ticket.
"That moment -- that's special," Fermin told reporters. "I put the swing [that] put my team in the postseason."
Fermin, who joined the Padres in a July trade with the Kansas City Royals, went 1 for 2 in Monday's win. His game-winning hit helped the Padres secure back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in two decades (2005-06).
"It has not been a straight line," Padres manager Mike Shildt said. "It has been grindy. But that makes it even more special.
