Jake Peavy can't go into the clubhouse and spew his usual "I've pitched in these kinds of games my entire career," that we're used to hearing after he pitches a great game but gets no run support from his offense.
San Diego jumped out to a 2-0 lead, thanks to a two run home run from first baseman Adrian Gonzalez his 11th of the year, in the first inning. That lead wouldn't hold as the Cubs scored six runs in the last four innings to beat the Padres, 6-2.
Peavy had the Cubs shut out for four innings and it looked like the Padres were finally going to break their losing streak and take the first of their three game set against the Cubs.
In the fifth, Peavy would issue a lead walk to catcher Geovany Soto, would would be sacrificed to second on a bunt from pitcher Rich Harden after Peavy struck out Aaron Miles. It looked like Peavy might just get out of a jam, but Alfonso Soriano would lace an RBI double to left center, scoring Soto from second to pull the Cubs to within 2-1.
In the top half of the sixth, the Padres had two on after back-to-back singles from David Eckstein and Adrian Gonzalez with just one out, but Chase Headley would ground into an inning ending double play to end the Padres' threat.
In the home half of the sixth, the Cubs would make the Padres pay for not pushing across a single run. Kosuke Fukudome, a player the Padres made a run at prior to the 2008 season, led off with a double to left and after a strikeout to Derek Lee, former Padre Milton Bradley would launch a two run shot to center off his former teammate, erasing the Padres' lead and giving the Cubs a 3-2 lead.
The Padres had a chance to at least tie the game in the top half of the seventh. Jody Gerut led off with a single and would steal second after Kevin Kouzmanoff popped out, but Henry Blanco would ground out and Luis Rodriguez flied out to end the inning.
It's been the lack of hitting with runners in scoring position that has given this Padres' team the most headache. Having runners on second or third with less than two outs and not getting that sac fly or not getting that timely base hit that would score that run.
After a 9-3 start, the Padres have gone 4-17 in their last 21 games, pushing them farther and farther out of the NL West and possibly making them sellers faster than anyone expected.
Prior to the start of the 2009 season, there were so many people talking about this Padres team losing 100 games or more but after a 9-3 start, the team was raising a lot of eyebrows. But, nothing has gone right for this team since then. Their pitching has struggled, their offense has been non existant at certain times and their bullpen has had trouble keeping teams off the scoreboard.
It's a trend that is quickly demolishing this team, a trend that will have this team losing more games than ever before in franchise history.
The two teams will be back at it tonight from Wrigley Field. The Padres will have 6'10" right hander Chris Young (2-1, 4.76) against Cubs' left hander Ted Lilly (4-2, 3.11).
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
San Diego Padres: Week in Review
The Padres came into the first week of May after suffering a four game sweep at the hands of the NL West leading Los Angeles Dodgers. They were getting ready for two game sets against the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks, needing to get back on track and show the kind of team they were.
That week wouldn't go the way they planned. They split both two game series against Colorado and Arizona then ending the week the way they ended the previous week, suffering a three game sweep at the hands of the Houston Astros.
May 4th: After the Rockies had taken a 5-4 lead in the fourth inning, the Padres would regain the lead in the top half of the fifth thanks to a three run home run off the bat of Scott Hairston. But, after Padres' reliever Edwin Moreno loaded the bases in the seventh, Cla Meredith was brought in and promptly gave up a grand slam home run to Rockies' catcher Chris Ianetta. Padres lose 9-6.
May 5th: Padres held a 1-0 lead for seven innings and it looked like young Padres' right hander Josh Geer was going to pick up his first win of the season, but Rockies' catcher Chris Ianetta would again go deep, hitting a solo shot in the eighth inning to tie the game. It would go into the tenth inning where Brian Giles would hit a walk off RBI double, scoring Edgar Gonzalez from first. Padres win 2-1.
May 6th: Jake Peavy was crusing, having pitched five shutout innings and was striking out everyone in sight, but that didn't last long. D-Backs' right fielder Justin Upton finally got to Peavy in the sixth, lining a two run shot to left center to put Arizona ahead, 2-0. The Padres had their chances to break through against Arizona starter Jon Garland, but four double plays killed any rally they could have put together. Padres lose 3-1.
May 7th: The Padres, down 2-0 going into the home half of the fifth, got two RBI singles from Edgar Gonzalez and Scott Hairston to tie the game, 2-2. Arizona went ahead 3-2 on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Eric Byrnes but San Diego came right back thanks to an RBI double from catcher Nick Hundley to tie the game at 3-3. The Padres loaded the bases in the tenth on a lead double from Kevin Kouzmanoff and walks to Nick Hundley and Chris Burke which brought up David Eckstein who lined a game winning single to right. Padres win 4-3.
May 8th: The Padres got a great pitching performance from Chad Gaudin, giving up just two runs through seven innings, but the Padres' offense never could get anything going against Houston starter Wandy Rodriguez. Padres lose 2-0.
May 9th: The Padres were down 3-1 going into the eighth inning, but thanks to an RBI single from David Eckstein and an RBI double from Chase Headley, the Padres would take a 4-3 lead. That lead didn't last long as the Astros would re-take the lead, and keep it, in the home half of the eighth inning on RBI singles from Carlos Lee and Miguel Tejada. Padres lose 5-4.
May 10th: Happy Mother's Day! Well, I'm sure Josh Geer's mom was hoping for a little better outcome in this one. The young right hander gave up seven runs through just three innings and although the Padres got home runs from Adrian Gonzalez, Jody Gerut and Chase Headley, the Padres just couldn't recover. Padres lose 12-5.
When you look back at every game this past week, you realize how many of those games were winnable, how many of those games the Padres had taken a late lead just to have the bullpen give it right back. The chances to break through against another starter when their own starter was keeping the other team in check, but those timely hits just didn't come. What could have been...never was. Padres end the week at 2-5 and end their 17 game stretch with a record of 4-13.
That week wouldn't go the way they planned. They split both two game series against Colorado and Arizona then ending the week the way they ended the previous week, suffering a three game sweep at the hands of the Houston Astros.
May 4th: After the Rockies had taken a 5-4 lead in the fourth inning, the Padres would regain the lead in the top half of the fifth thanks to a three run home run off the bat of Scott Hairston. But, after Padres' reliever Edwin Moreno loaded the bases in the seventh, Cla Meredith was brought in and promptly gave up a grand slam home run to Rockies' catcher Chris Ianetta. Padres lose 9-6.
May 5th: Padres held a 1-0 lead for seven innings and it looked like young Padres' right hander Josh Geer was going to pick up his first win of the season, but Rockies' catcher Chris Ianetta would again go deep, hitting a solo shot in the eighth inning to tie the game. It would go into the tenth inning where Brian Giles would hit a walk off RBI double, scoring Edgar Gonzalez from first. Padres win 2-1.
May 6th: Jake Peavy was crusing, having pitched five shutout innings and was striking out everyone in sight, but that didn't last long. D-Backs' right fielder Justin Upton finally got to Peavy in the sixth, lining a two run shot to left center to put Arizona ahead, 2-0. The Padres had their chances to break through against Arizona starter Jon Garland, but four double plays killed any rally they could have put together. Padres lose 3-1.
May 7th: The Padres, down 2-0 going into the home half of the fifth, got two RBI singles from Edgar Gonzalez and Scott Hairston to tie the game, 2-2. Arizona went ahead 3-2 on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Eric Byrnes but San Diego came right back thanks to an RBI double from catcher Nick Hundley to tie the game at 3-3. The Padres loaded the bases in the tenth on a lead double from Kevin Kouzmanoff and walks to Nick Hundley and Chris Burke which brought up David Eckstein who lined a game winning single to right. Padres win 4-3.
May 8th: The Padres got a great pitching performance from Chad Gaudin, giving up just two runs through seven innings, but the Padres' offense never could get anything going against Houston starter Wandy Rodriguez. Padres lose 2-0.
May 9th: The Padres were down 3-1 going into the eighth inning, but thanks to an RBI single from David Eckstein and an RBI double from Chase Headley, the Padres would take a 4-3 lead. That lead didn't last long as the Astros would re-take the lead, and keep it, in the home half of the eighth inning on RBI singles from Carlos Lee and Miguel Tejada. Padres lose 5-4.
May 10th: Happy Mother's Day! Well, I'm sure Josh Geer's mom was hoping for a little better outcome in this one. The young right hander gave up seven runs through just three innings and although the Padres got home runs from Adrian Gonzalez, Jody Gerut and Chase Headley, the Padres just couldn't recover. Padres lose 12-5.
When you look back at every game this past week, you realize how many of those games were winnable, how many of those games the Padres had taken a late lead just to have the bullpen give it right back. The chances to break through against another starter when their own starter was keeping the other team in check, but those timely hits just didn't come. What could have been...never was. Padres end the week at 2-5 and end their 17 game stretch with a record of 4-13.
Padres-Astros: Geer Roughed Up, Padres Swept by Astros
The schedule was supposed to get easier, the Padres were facing a series against the 11-17 Houston Astros, the team was supposed to break through and show their real character.
Three days later, the Padres are looking back at yet another series sweep, except they were on the losing end of that sweep, losing the finale 12-5 on Sunday afternoon despite home runs from Adrian Gonzalez, Jody Gerut and Chase Headley.
This wasn't a series the Padres had no chance in, they were in every single game with the exception of the finale. They dropped game one on Friday night, 2-0 but they had more than a few chances to jump ahead but the team's lack of offense doomed them once again.
They had a late lead in game two on Saturday night, but the bullpen couldn't hold the lead and the Padres lost, 5-4.
Then, on Sunday afternoon, it was Padres' starter Josh Geer that had his problems, giving up seven runs (five earned) on seven hits, walking three while not striking out a single batter. It didn't help that Geer didn't get help from short stop Chris Burke. Burke had two throwing errors in back-to-back innings, leading to four unearned Houston runs.
One of those errors, starting the second inning with the Astros already leading 3-0, came on a ground ball to short stop off the bat of pitcher Roy Oswalt. It should have been the first out of the inning but thanks to the first error from Burke, Oswalt was safe at first. The next two batters, Kaz Matsui and Michael Bourne, flied out and grounded out respectively so it should have been the end of the inning with no damage done.
Instead, Geer walked both Hunter Pence and Carlos Lee to load the bases, then gave up a two run single to Miguel Tejada, scoring Oswalt and Pence to push the Astros' lead to 5-0. It was Tejada's third and fourth RBI of the game, having hit a two run homer in the first inning off Geer.
So, after coming into the three game set against Houston at 13-16 and looking to feel better about themselves as a team with an off day coming after the conclusion of the series. Instead, they drop all three games, fall to 13-19, and they're left wondering if they'll ever pull themselves out of this hole.
It doesn't get any easier from here as the Padres travel to Chicago on Tuesday to start the first of a three game set against the Chicago Cubs. This series won't be without it's share of drama as well.
You might remember all of the trade rumors that had Jake Peavy on his way to the Cubs this past December, but trade talks broke down and Peavy remained with the Padres. With the Padres reeling, those rumors may start to surface again, especially with San Diego in Chicago for those three games.
The Padres will start Peavy (2-4, 4.27) on Tuesday against Rich Harden (3-1, 4.83). On Wednesday, the Padres will have Chris Young (2-1, 4.76) on the hill against Cubs' left hander Ted Lilly (4-2, 3.11). In the series finale, the Padres will have former Cub Chad Gaudin (0-2, 4.08) against Randy Wells (0-0, 0.00) who will be making his second start for the Cubs.
Three days later, the Padres are looking back at yet another series sweep, except they were on the losing end of that sweep, losing the finale 12-5 on Sunday afternoon despite home runs from Adrian Gonzalez, Jody Gerut and Chase Headley.
This wasn't a series the Padres had no chance in, they were in every single game with the exception of the finale. They dropped game one on Friday night, 2-0 but they had more than a few chances to jump ahead but the team's lack of offense doomed them once again.
They had a late lead in game two on Saturday night, but the bullpen couldn't hold the lead and the Padres lost, 5-4.
Then, on Sunday afternoon, it was Padres' starter Josh Geer that had his problems, giving up seven runs (five earned) on seven hits, walking three while not striking out a single batter. It didn't help that Geer didn't get help from short stop Chris Burke. Burke had two throwing errors in back-to-back innings, leading to four unearned Houston runs.
One of those errors, starting the second inning with the Astros already leading 3-0, came on a ground ball to short stop off the bat of pitcher Roy Oswalt. It should have been the first out of the inning but thanks to the first error from Burke, Oswalt was safe at first. The next two batters, Kaz Matsui and Michael Bourne, flied out and grounded out respectively so it should have been the end of the inning with no damage done.
Instead, Geer walked both Hunter Pence and Carlos Lee to load the bases, then gave up a two run single to Miguel Tejada, scoring Oswalt and Pence to push the Astros' lead to 5-0. It was Tejada's third and fourth RBI of the game, having hit a two run homer in the first inning off Geer.
So, after coming into the three game set against Houston at 13-16 and looking to feel better about themselves as a team with an off day coming after the conclusion of the series. Instead, they drop all three games, fall to 13-19, and they're left wondering if they'll ever pull themselves out of this hole.
It doesn't get any easier from here as the Padres travel to Chicago on Tuesday to start the first of a three game set against the Chicago Cubs. This series won't be without it's share of drama as well.
You might remember all of the trade rumors that had Jake Peavy on his way to the Cubs this past December, but trade talks broke down and Peavy remained with the Padres. With the Padres reeling, those rumors may start to surface again, especially with San Diego in Chicago for those three games.
The Padres will start Peavy (2-4, 4.27) on Tuesday against Rich Harden (3-1, 4.83). On Wednesday, the Padres will have Chris Young (2-1, 4.76) on the hill against Cubs' left hander Ted Lilly (4-2, 3.11). In the series finale, the Padres will have former Cub Chad Gaudin (0-2, 4.08) against Randy Wells (0-0, 0.00) who will be making his second start for the Cubs.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Padres-Astros: Padres Bullpen Unable to Hold Late Lead, Lose to Astros
It's becoming a familiar saying, something Padre fans are becoming a little too used to during the 2009 season. The offense grabs a late lead and it looks like they're going to win a game this team normally wouldn't win, then the bullpen gets a hold of the game and lets it slip away.
Such was the case on Saturday night against the Astros. The Padres took a late 4-3 lead in the eighth inning thanks to an RBI double from Chase Headley, celebrating his 25th birthday last night.
That 4-3 lead was short lived as Cla Meredith, brought into the game for Luke Gregerson, gave up a game tying single to Carlos Lee and, with the bases loaded, fielded a grounder from Miguel Tejada but with Hunter Pence running on contact, Meredith couldn't get a clean hold on the ball to get Pence at the plate, allowing him to score and giving the Astros a 5-4 win.
It was another one of those games where they got good pitching effort from right hander Kevin Correia who gave up just two runs on four hits, striking out four and walking three through his six innings of work, but his offense was only able to put up one run in support. Correia has received a no decision in four of his six starts this season.
The game was scoreless through five innings until David Eckstein broke through against Astros starter Brian Moehler in the top half of the sixth with an RBI double, scoring Correia who had doubled two batters earlier.
The Astros would take the lead in the home half of the sixth, thanks to an RBI single from Carlos Lee and a sacrifice fly from Miguel Tejada, putting the Astros ahead, 2-1.
The very next inning, the Astros would extend that lead to 3-1 on a wild pitch from Padres' reliever Luke Gregerson, scoring Darin Erstad who had doubled earlier.
That's when the Padres' comeback began. Short stop Chris Burke would get a lead double to start the eighth inning off Houston reliever Geoff Geary. Burke would score on an RBI single from David Eckstein to pull the Padres to within a 3-2 score.
Geary would then be relieved by Alberto Arias who got Scott Hairston to strike out. Arias was then pulled in favor of Wesley Wright who gave up a one out single to first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. LaTroy Hawkins was then brought in to elleviate the damage, but Chase Headley roped a two run double to right center, scoring Eckstein and Gonzalez to give the Padres a 4-3 lead.
Unfortunately for San Diego, the game would get away from them, leading to their 15th loss in 19 games. These are the types of losses that will lead San Diego to go from "buyers" to "sellers" prior to the trade deadline in July.
The two teams will finish up their three game set from Minute Maid Park in Houston on Sunday afternoon. The Padres will have young right hander Josh Geer (0-0, 3.96), still looking for his first win of the season, on the mound against Astros' ace Roy Oswalt (0-2, 4.26).
Such was the case on Saturday night against the Astros. The Padres took a late 4-3 lead in the eighth inning thanks to an RBI double from Chase Headley, celebrating his 25th birthday last night.
That 4-3 lead was short lived as Cla Meredith, brought into the game for Luke Gregerson, gave up a game tying single to Carlos Lee and, with the bases loaded, fielded a grounder from Miguel Tejada but with Hunter Pence running on contact, Meredith couldn't get a clean hold on the ball to get Pence at the plate, allowing him to score and giving the Astros a 5-4 win.
It was another one of those games where they got good pitching effort from right hander Kevin Correia who gave up just two runs on four hits, striking out four and walking three through his six innings of work, but his offense was only able to put up one run in support. Correia has received a no decision in four of his six starts this season.
The game was scoreless through five innings until David Eckstein broke through against Astros starter Brian Moehler in the top half of the sixth with an RBI double, scoring Correia who had doubled two batters earlier.
The Astros would take the lead in the home half of the sixth, thanks to an RBI single from Carlos Lee and a sacrifice fly from Miguel Tejada, putting the Astros ahead, 2-1.
The very next inning, the Astros would extend that lead to 3-1 on a wild pitch from Padres' reliever Luke Gregerson, scoring Darin Erstad who had doubled earlier.
That's when the Padres' comeback began. Short stop Chris Burke would get a lead double to start the eighth inning off Houston reliever Geoff Geary. Burke would score on an RBI single from David Eckstein to pull the Padres to within a 3-2 score.
Geary would then be relieved by Alberto Arias who got Scott Hairston to strike out. Arias was then pulled in favor of Wesley Wright who gave up a one out single to first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. LaTroy Hawkins was then brought in to elleviate the damage, but Chase Headley roped a two run double to right center, scoring Eckstein and Gonzalez to give the Padres a 4-3 lead.
Unfortunately for San Diego, the game would get away from them, leading to their 15th loss in 19 games. These are the types of losses that will lead San Diego to go from "buyers" to "sellers" prior to the trade deadline in July.
The two teams will finish up their three game set from Minute Maid Park in Houston on Sunday afternoon. The Padres will have young right hander Josh Geer (0-0, 3.96), still looking for his first win of the season, on the mound against Astros' ace Roy Oswalt (0-2, 4.26).
Friday, May 8, 2009
Padres-Diamondbacks: Eckstein Walk Off Sends Padres Past D-Backs
David Eckstein got the chance to be a hero yesterday afternoon, in front of a crowd of 18,921 at Petco Park, and he made the most of that opportunity. Eckstein laced an RBI game winning single in the tenth inning to give the Padres a 4-3 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday afternoon.
You might have to look at the at bat just before Eckstein's game winning single. It was a 10-pitch at bat by Chris Burke, that ended in Burke being walked, that loaded the bases and set the stage for Eckstein.
Burke fell behind quickly 0-2 to D-Backs' reliever Esmerling Vazquez but fouled off six pitches, one of which was just out of the reach of Arizona catcher Chris Snyder that landed by the Padres' dugout. That at bat allowed Eckstein to watch the at bat and see what Vazquez was throwing.
Vazquez started Eckstein off with two straight fastballs, working the count to 1-1, but when he tried to throw a third fastball on the outside corner, Eckstein went with the pitch and laced it past first baseman Josh Whitesell for the game winning hit.
Although Eckstein had the game winning hit, he also made a big defensive play in the top half of the tenth inning. Recently called up Josh Whitesell grounded a 1-0 pitch from Paders' reliever Cla Meredith back up the middle, but 2nd baseman David Eckstein made a back hand grab and was able to make a throw on the run to get Whitesell at first to end the inning.
The game was won as a team effort, which is a funny thing to say after the Padres' offense went AWOL on starter Jake Peavy a night earlier. This time, after falling behind 2-0, the Padres battled back, getting two runs in the fifth inning on RBI singles from Edgar Gonzalez and Scott Hairston to tie the game.
In the sixth, Arizona would get the lead back on a sac fly from Eric Byrnes to put them ahead, 3-2, but that lead was short lived.
In the home half of the sixth, after a lead single from Kevin Kouzmanoff, one of this three hits on the day including a lead double in the deciding tenth inning, Padres' catcher Nick Hundley roped a double down the left field line and Kouzmanoff just beat the throw home to tie the game, 3-3.
The Padres also got a great effort from their bullpen, something that hasn't been said in quite some time.
Relievers Edwin Moreno, Luke Gregerson, Heath Bell and Cla Meredith combined for four shutout innings, not giving up a single hit over those four innings while striking out four. Meredith got the win for San Diego, his record now 4-0 on the season, oddly enough he leads the team in wins.
Padres' starter Chris Young pitched six innings, giving up three runs on five hits, walking four and striking out six. He left the game with his team trailing 3-2, but thanks to the RBI double from Nick Hundley, got the no decision, which I'm sure he's much happier about than a loss.
San Diego (13-16) boarded a plane last night bound for Houston, TX as they get ready for a three game set against the Houston Astros (11-17) at Minute Maid Park.
In game one on Friday night the Padres will have Chad Gaudin (0-1, 5.06) on the mound against Astros' left hander Wandy Rodriguez (2-2, 2.19).
Game two the Padres will send Kevin Correia (0-2, 5.92) against the Astros' Brad Moehler (0-2, 14.00).
Game three, the Padres will have young right hander Josh Geer (0-0, 3.96) against Astros' ace right hander Roy Oswalt (0-2, 4.26).
You might have to look at the at bat just before Eckstein's game winning single. It was a 10-pitch at bat by Chris Burke, that ended in Burke being walked, that loaded the bases and set the stage for Eckstein.
Burke fell behind quickly 0-2 to D-Backs' reliever Esmerling Vazquez but fouled off six pitches, one of which was just out of the reach of Arizona catcher Chris Snyder that landed by the Padres' dugout. That at bat allowed Eckstein to watch the at bat and see what Vazquez was throwing.
Vazquez started Eckstein off with two straight fastballs, working the count to 1-1, but when he tried to throw a third fastball on the outside corner, Eckstein went with the pitch and laced it past first baseman Josh Whitesell for the game winning hit.
Although Eckstein had the game winning hit, he also made a big defensive play in the top half of the tenth inning. Recently called up Josh Whitesell grounded a 1-0 pitch from Paders' reliever Cla Meredith back up the middle, but 2nd baseman David Eckstein made a back hand grab and was able to make a throw on the run to get Whitesell at first to end the inning.
The game was won as a team effort, which is a funny thing to say after the Padres' offense went AWOL on starter Jake Peavy a night earlier. This time, after falling behind 2-0, the Padres battled back, getting two runs in the fifth inning on RBI singles from Edgar Gonzalez and Scott Hairston to tie the game.
In the sixth, Arizona would get the lead back on a sac fly from Eric Byrnes to put them ahead, 3-2, but that lead was short lived.
In the home half of the sixth, after a lead single from Kevin Kouzmanoff, one of this three hits on the day including a lead double in the deciding tenth inning, Padres' catcher Nick Hundley roped a double down the left field line and Kouzmanoff just beat the throw home to tie the game, 3-3.
The Padres also got a great effort from their bullpen, something that hasn't been said in quite some time.
Relievers Edwin Moreno, Luke Gregerson, Heath Bell and Cla Meredith combined for four shutout innings, not giving up a single hit over those four innings while striking out four. Meredith got the win for San Diego, his record now 4-0 on the season, oddly enough he leads the team in wins.
Padres' starter Chris Young pitched six innings, giving up three runs on five hits, walking four and striking out six. He left the game with his team trailing 3-2, but thanks to the RBI double from Nick Hundley, got the no decision, which I'm sure he's much happier about than a loss.
San Diego (13-16) boarded a plane last night bound for Houston, TX as they get ready for a three game set against the Houston Astros (11-17) at Minute Maid Park.
In game one on Friday night the Padres will have Chad Gaudin (0-1, 5.06) on the mound against Astros' left hander Wandy Rodriguez (2-2, 2.19).
Game two the Padres will send Kevin Correia (0-2, 5.92) against the Astros' Brad Moehler (0-2, 14.00).
Game three, the Padres will have young right hander Josh Geer (0-0, 3.96) against Astros' ace right hander Roy Oswalt (0-2, 4.26).
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Padres-Diamondbacks: Missed Opportunities Abound in Loss to DBacks
The San Diego Padres had their chances, they had opportunities, but each of those chances and opportunities were missed in a disappointing 3-1 loss to Arizona on Wednesday night.
What's even more frustrating was the start that Jake Peavy put together last night, only making one mistake which Diamondback outfielder Juston Upton deposited into the left center field stands for a two run home run in the sixth inning.
Besides that, Jake was nothing short of dominant. The right hander struck out 12 in his seven innings of work, surpassing the 1,300 strikeout mark in the second inning after striking out Connor Jackson.
But, just like his last start against the Dodgers where Jake pitched eight shutout innings, his offense went AWOL, not putting up a single run in support. After winning two of his first three starts, Peavy is 0-3 in his last four starts with a no decision. Peavy could easily turn and point to his offense for not giving him anything to work with, not giving him a lead to work with, but that's not the way he opperates, Jake instead put the blame on himself.
"Bottom line, I have to be better," Peavy told the Associated Press. "If it means throwing a shutout, I’ll take full responsibility and need to do that. It’s just not possible to happen every time out.”
He may have took the blame for the loss, but Jake did say something that has become familiar to the press interviewing him after games like this. Although it wasn't a direct shot at the offense, you can read into this any way you like.
“I’ve pitched in these type of ballgames for years,” Peavy said. “You get a feel for a game, especially when one run or one pitch can beat you. Sure, there is some stress with every pitch you make, knowing that you probably shouldn’t let a run cross."
If Jake isn't willing to point a finger, we'll just point out all the missed opportunities to put runs on the board early, and often. Arizona tried to give the game away, committing four errors, two of which came on one inning.
In the second, Kevin Kouzmanoff would reach on an error by third baseman Mark Reynolds, moving to second on the throw. After Henry Blanco popped out, Luis Rodriguez would work a one out walk, which brought Jake Peavy to the plate. He attempted two straight bunts, both of which went foul and was unable to move the runners up. To add insult to injury, Peavy grounded into an inning ending double play.
In the fifth, after a lead single from Henry Blanco, Peavy would finally get a bunt down but would be safe at first thanks to a throwing error from Arizona catcher Miguel Montero trying to get the lead runner (Blanco) at second base.
Giles would then ground to first baseman Josh Whitesell, but Whitesell's throw pulled second baseman Augie Ojeda off the bag, loading the bases with just one out.
David Eckstein would then hit a fly ball to right field and it looked like the Padres were going to get on the board, but right fielder Justin Upton nailed Henry Blanco at the plate for a inning ending double play.
That would prove costly in the top half of the sixth. After Peavy struck out Felipe Lopez swinging, he would issue a walk to Ojeda, which brought up Justin Upton. Peavy left the first pitch too far in the zone and Upton got all of it, landing it a few rows deep in left center field, putting Arizona ahead, 2-0.
In the seventh, Blanco would work a one out walk an would be followed by a Luis Rodriguez single. Manager Bud Black decided that Peavy's night was done, going with Edgar Gonzalez as a pinch hitter with two on and one out. As the theme was most of the night, Gonzalez would ground into an inning ending double play, the third time of the night the Padres grounded into an inning ending double play.
Padres' reliever Duaner Sanchez would come into the game in the eighth inning and got Augie Ojeda to fly out for the first out of the inning, bringing up Justin Upton who had homered earlier in the night. Sanchez left a 1-1 pitch over the plate and letter high and Upton, again, got every bit of it, hammering a solo shot to dead center field, giving Arizona a 3-0 lead.
San Diego had one more chance in the ninth inning. Diamondback's closer Chad Qualls came into the game and promptly gave up back-to-back singles to Adrian Gonzalez and Jody Gerut and would then hit Kevin Kouzmanoff with a pitch, loading the bases with noone out. Surely, the Padres couldn't blow this opportunity, could they?
But, as was the theme all night long, Blanco would ground into the Padres' fourth double play of the game, scoring Adrian Gonzalez to put the Padres on the board, 3-1.
Luis Rodriguez would work a two out walk, bringing up Chase Headley for the first time with runners on the corners and two out, but Headley would strike out swinging to end the game.
The Padres will try to rebound tonight as they will wrap up a two game series with Arizona before they head out on the road with sets against the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs.
Padres right hander Chris Young (2-1, 4.81) will try to get this team out of their current funk, a funk that has seen San Diego drop 13 of their last 16 games. For Arizona, they will go with their hot hand, right hander Dan Haren (3-3, 1.47). First pitch is scheduled for 12:35pm PST.
What's even more frustrating was the start that Jake Peavy put together last night, only making one mistake which Diamondback outfielder Juston Upton deposited into the left center field stands for a two run home run in the sixth inning.
Besides that, Jake was nothing short of dominant. The right hander struck out 12 in his seven innings of work, surpassing the 1,300 strikeout mark in the second inning after striking out Connor Jackson.
But, just like his last start against the Dodgers where Jake pitched eight shutout innings, his offense went AWOL, not putting up a single run in support. After winning two of his first three starts, Peavy is 0-3 in his last four starts with a no decision. Peavy could easily turn and point to his offense for not giving him anything to work with, not giving him a lead to work with, but that's not the way he opperates, Jake instead put the blame on himself.
"Bottom line, I have to be better," Peavy told the Associated Press. "If it means throwing a shutout, I’ll take full responsibility and need to do that. It’s just not possible to happen every time out.”
He may have took the blame for the loss, but Jake did say something that has become familiar to the press interviewing him after games like this. Although it wasn't a direct shot at the offense, you can read into this any way you like.
“I’ve pitched in these type of ballgames for years,” Peavy said. “You get a feel for a game, especially when one run or one pitch can beat you. Sure, there is some stress with every pitch you make, knowing that you probably shouldn’t let a run cross."
If Jake isn't willing to point a finger, we'll just point out all the missed opportunities to put runs on the board early, and often. Arizona tried to give the game away, committing four errors, two of which came on one inning.
In the second, Kevin Kouzmanoff would reach on an error by third baseman Mark Reynolds, moving to second on the throw. After Henry Blanco popped out, Luis Rodriguez would work a one out walk, which brought Jake Peavy to the plate. He attempted two straight bunts, both of which went foul and was unable to move the runners up. To add insult to injury, Peavy grounded into an inning ending double play.
In the fifth, after a lead single from Henry Blanco, Peavy would finally get a bunt down but would be safe at first thanks to a throwing error from Arizona catcher Miguel Montero trying to get the lead runner (Blanco) at second base.
Giles would then ground to first baseman Josh Whitesell, but Whitesell's throw pulled second baseman Augie Ojeda off the bag, loading the bases with just one out.
David Eckstein would then hit a fly ball to right field and it looked like the Padres were going to get on the board, but right fielder Justin Upton nailed Henry Blanco at the plate for a inning ending double play.
That would prove costly in the top half of the sixth. After Peavy struck out Felipe Lopez swinging, he would issue a walk to Ojeda, which brought up Justin Upton. Peavy left the first pitch too far in the zone and Upton got all of it, landing it a few rows deep in left center field, putting Arizona ahead, 2-0.
In the seventh, Blanco would work a one out walk an would be followed by a Luis Rodriguez single. Manager Bud Black decided that Peavy's night was done, going with Edgar Gonzalez as a pinch hitter with two on and one out. As the theme was most of the night, Gonzalez would ground into an inning ending double play, the third time of the night the Padres grounded into an inning ending double play.
Padres' reliever Duaner Sanchez would come into the game in the eighth inning and got Augie Ojeda to fly out for the first out of the inning, bringing up Justin Upton who had homered earlier in the night. Sanchez left a 1-1 pitch over the plate and letter high and Upton, again, got every bit of it, hammering a solo shot to dead center field, giving Arizona a 3-0 lead.
San Diego had one more chance in the ninth inning. Diamondback's closer Chad Qualls came into the game and promptly gave up back-to-back singles to Adrian Gonzalez and Jody Gerut and would then hit Kevin Kouzmanoff with a pitch, loading the bases with noone out. Surely, the Padres couldn't blow this opportunity, could they?
But, as was the theme all night long, Blanco would ground into the Padres' fourth double play of the game, scoring Adrian Gonzalez to put the Padres on the board, 3-1.
Luis Rodriguez would work a two out walk, bringing up Chase Headley for the first time with runners on the corners and two out, but Headley would strike out swinging to end the game.
The Padres will try to rebound tonight as they will wrap up a two game series with Arizona before they head out on the road with sets against the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs.
Padres right hander Chris Young (2-1, 4.81) will try to get this team out of their current funk, a funk that has seen San Diego drop 13 of their last 16 games. For Arizona, they will go with their hot hand, right hander Dan Haren (3-3, 1.47). First pitch is scheduled for 12:35pm PST.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Padres-Diamondbacks: Pre-game Lineup and Analysis
The San Diego Padres picked up a much needed win on Tuesday night against the Colorado Rockies. It's hopefully a start for this team to get back on the right track and the Padres need to carry over the momentum and adrenaline over to Wednesday night's game as they welcome in the last place Arizona Diamondbacks, who are coming off a three game losing streak.
Getting the start tonight for San Diego is right hander Jake Peavy, who is coming off his best start of the year against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Peavy threw eight shutout innings, giving up just two hits but his offense didn't give him the help he needed and he ended up with a no decision in a game the Padres ended up losing.
Here are the starting lineup for the San Diego Padres against Arizona starter Jon Garland (2-1, 4.94)
San Diego Padres
Brian Giles (.168) - Right Field
David Eckstein (.260) - 2nd Base
Scott Hairston (.351) - Left Field
Adrian Gonzalez (.313) - 1st Base
Jody Gerut (.221) - Center Field
Kevin Kouzmanoff (.228) - 3rd Base
Henry Blanco (.161) - Catcher
Luis Rodriguez (.222) - Short Stop
Jake Peavy (2-3, 4.58)
Keys to the game for San Diego
You know what you get with Jake Peavy on the hill, you know you're going to get 110% effort from the kid from Alabama. If Jake comes out and goes right after the Arizona hitters, he'll have the same success. Jake is at his best when he challenges hitters with his 2-seam fastball and then puts them away with his nasty slider. Peavy needs to mix up his pitches, not rely so heavily on his fastball because Arizona will start waiting on that pitch. If he mixes in a changeup and a curveball in the right count and keep the ball low in the zone, he can keep Arizona off the board.
The offense needs to step up tonight and put runs on the board against Garland, who's coming off a pretty good outing in Milwaukee. He pitched 6 1/3 innings, giving up just two runs on seven hits, a game the Diamondbacks ended up winning late, 5-2.
They have patience at the front of the lineup with guys like Giles and Eckstein and then power behind those two guys in Hairston and Gonzalez as well as Jody Gerut at certain times. If Giles and Eckstein can get on base or at least work deep into counts and wear down Garland early, Hairston and Gonzalez will be able to watch those at bats closely and take advantage of it.
The guy that's had the most success against Garland is the man starting in center field for the Padres, Jody Gerut. Gerut, in 13 at bats, is hitting .308 against the Arizona starter. Luis Rodriguez, starting at short stop tonight for San Diego, has the second most at bats against Garland (7) and is hitting .286 against him.
The one thing the Padres have to be hoping for is a better crowd than they received the previous two nights. On Monday night, a crown of 14,717 was announced and if that wasn't bad enough, Tuesday night saw an even smaller crown. An announced 13,646, the smallest crowd ever since Petco Park opened in 2004.
Getting the start tonight for San Diego is right hander Jake Peavy, who is coming off his best start of the year against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Peavy threw eight shutout innings, giving up just two hits but his offense didn't give him the help he needed and he ended up with a no decision in a game the Padres ended up losing.
Here are the starting lineup for the San Diego Padres against Arizona starter Jon Garland (2-1, 4.94)
San Diego Padres
Brian Giles (.168) - Right Field
David Eckstein (.260) - 2nd Base
Scott Hairston (.351) - Left Field
Adrian Gonzalez (.313) - 1st Base
Jody Gerut (.221) - Center Field
Kevin Kouzmanoff (.228) - 3rd Base
Henry Blanco (.161) - Catcher
Luis Rodriguez (.222) - Short Stop
Jake Peavy (2-3, 4.58)
Keys to the game for San Diego
You know what you get with Jake Peavy on the hill, you know you're going to get 110% effort from the kid from Alabama. If Jake comes out and goes right after the Arizona hitters, he'll have the same success. Jake is at his best when he challenges hitters with his 2-seam fastball and then puts them away with his nasty slider. Peavy needs to mix up his pitches, not rely so heavily on his fastball because Arizona will start waiting on that pitch. If he mixes in a changeup and a curveball in the right count and keep the ball low in the zone, he can keep Arizona off the board.
The offense needs to step up tonight and put runs on the board against Garland, who's coming off a pretty good outing in Milwaukee. He pitched 6 1/3 innings, giving up just two runs on seven hits, a game the Diamondbacks ended up winning late, 5-2.
They have patience at the front of the lineup with guys like Giles and Eckstein and then power behind those two guys in Hairston and Gonzalez as well as Jody Gerut at certain times. If Giles and Eckstein can get on base or at least work deep into counts and wear down Garland early, Hairston and Gonzalez will be able to watch those at bats closely and take advantage of it.
The guy that's had the most success against Garland is the man starting in center field for the Padres, Jody Gerut. Gerut, in 13 at bats, is hitting .308 against the Arizona starter. Luis Rodriguez, starting at short stop tonight for San Diego, has the second most at bats against Garland (7) and is hitting .286 against him.
The one thing the Padres have to be hoping for is a better crowd than they received the previous two nights. On Monday night, a crown of 14,717 was announced and if that wasn't bad enough, Tuesday night saw an even smaller crown. An announced 13,646, the smallest crowd ever since Petco Park opened in 2004.
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