Part 3/9:
Next, rookie Taylor Klie struck out in a high-pressure plate appearance, followed by Trent Grisham, who faced a leverage index of 10.83—one of the most critical moments in his career. Unfortunately, he too failed to convert, striking out to end the game. This encapsulated the overarching theme of the season: an inability to execute in clutch situations. Throughout 2023, the Padres struggled in late-game scenarios, which reflected their disappointing performance.