The San Diego Padres needed this win, they needed to get out of the funk they were in and they needed to get their confidence back.
They got a great pitching effort from starter Josh Geer, as well as a walkoff RBI double from right fielder Brian Giles in the 10th inning, as the Padres defeated the Colorado Rockies 2-1 on Tuesday night.
Geer had a couple of tough outings but the young right hander pitched like he had something to prove. He threw 108 pitches through eight innings, giving up just one run on five hits, walking two and striking out three. The lone run coming on a game tying solo home run from Chris Ianetta in the eighth inning , the same guy that hit a grand slam home run a night earlier off Padres' reliever Cla Meredith.
There was also a Heath Bell sighting last night at Petco Park, it was Bell's first appearance in a game since April 28th. Even though he had a lot of time off, Bell looked as sharp as ever. The Padres' closer pitched the ninth and tenth inning, giving up one hit and striking out four, running his fastball up to 93 MPH a few times.
The Padres didn't waste any time getting on the board against Rockies' starter Aaron Cook. Giles, who had been moved to the leadoff spot for just the third time this year, singled and would be followed by a David Eckstein double to left. After Scott Hairston lined out and an intentional walk was issued to Adrian Gonzalez, Jody Gerut would hit a sac fly to left, scoring Giles and putting the Padres ahead, 1-0.
It looked like Josh Geer was going to make that 1-0 lead hold up the entire night, giving up just four hits after seven innings of work, prompting manager Bud Black to stay with him into the eighth inning, deciding against going with his shakey bullpen.
Rockies' catcher Chris Ianetta would be the first batter Geer would face in the eighth inning and when Geer threw a fastball that tailed in to the Ianetta's hot zone, he didn't miss it, hitting it into the second deck in left field.
“I wish I could have that one pitch back,” Geer told MLB.com. “That’s really his hot zone.”
Geer would be done after eight impressive innings, the next question would be, who was going to come out of the bullpen to keep it a tie game. Padre fans had to be happy when they saw Heath Bell come sprinting in to start the ninth inning. He didn't disappoint, striking out Smith and Atkins in the ninth and Ianetta and Barmes in the tenth, looking just as dominant as ever.
In the tenth, Edgar Gonzalez would work a lead walk off Rockies reliever and former Padre Alan Embree, setting the stage for Brian Giles to face his former teammate. Embree tried to throw Giles a fastball on the inner half, but Giles turned on it and laced it to right center field, the deepest part of Petco Park, scoring Gonzalez from first and giving the Padres a 2-1 victory.
Even though the Padres picked up the win, it was in front of the smallest crowd ever at Petco Park since it opened in 2004. An announced crowd of 13,646 on Tuesday broke the previous night's record low of 14,717 announced on Monday night, though it's no surprise with the way this team is playing.
After concluding their two game set with the Rockies, the Padres (12-15) will welcome in the Arizona Diamondbacks (11-16) who bring in a three game losing streak to Petco Park on Wednesday night.
The Padres will have Jake Peavy (2-3, 4.58), who's coming off his best start of the season, on the hill, against Diamondback's right hander Jon Garland (2-1, 4.94).
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Padres-Rockies: Bullpen Implodes Late, Padres Lose Again
The San Diego Padres are officially in a tail spin and it's only going to get worse before it gets better, as we all saw last night in their 9-6 loss to the Rockies, the team's 12th loss in their last 14 games.
The Rockies jumped on Padres' starter Kevin Correia early, getting two runs in the second and another two in the third, taking a 4-0 lead heading to the home half of the third inning, making it look like the game could be over early.
In the home half of the third, the Padres would pick up three runs to pull within a 4-3 score, one of those runs coming as a result of a throwing error by Rockies' pitcher Jorge De La Rosa, scoring Henry Blanco who led off the inning with a walk.
In the fifth, with two on and two out and the Padres trailing 5-3, Scott Hairston launched an 0-1 fastball from De La Rosa to left field for a three run shot, his fourth of the year, to put the Padres ahead 6-5.
"It just put us ahead by a run," Hairston told MLB.com. "We knew that there was plenty of time left in the ballgame, there was no time to let up after that happened. You know, Colorado's a good team, they have a really good lineup."
Edwin Moreno would shut down the Rockies in the sixth, but got himself into trouble in the seventh, loading the bases with one out prompting manager Bud Black to bring in sidewinder Cla Meredith to face Rockies' catcher Chris Ianetta. Meredith worked the count to 2-2 but left a fastball up in the zone and Ianetta didn't miss it, hitting it over the left field wall for a grand slam to put the Rockies ahead for good 9-6.
Rockies' closer Houston Street would pitch a perfect ninth inning for his third save of the season.
Although the Padres did score six runs last night, it's not that much when you realize just how they got to that number. The Padres' offense finished the night with six runs on just four hits, four runs and three hits came off the bat of outfielder Scott Hairston, an RBI single in the third and his three run home run in the fifth. The rest of the offense could muster just one hit.
With the loss, the Padres will drop to 11-14, good for third place in the National League West behind the front running Los Angeles Dodgers (18-8) and 2nd place San Francisco Giants (12-11).
It sad to think that just a few weeks ago, this same Padres team was 9-3 and looking like they were going to be one of the more surprising teams in baseball. But that has come to a screetching hault, going 2-12 in their last 14 games, you have to believe that frustration has to be building in the Padres' clubhouse. It may just be a matter of time before that frustration boils over and some major changes are made.
"That was the type of game where everybody needed to do their job, and that didn't happen," manager Bud Black told MLB.com. "On any given night, you need the consistency from man-to-man."
The two teams will be back at it again tonight from Petco Park. The Rockies will have right hander Aaron Cook (1-1, 7.11) on the mound, the Padres will go with their young right hander Josh Geer (0-0, 5.29).
The Rockies jumped on Padres' starter Kevin Correia early, getting two runs in the second and another two in the third, taking a 4-0 lead heading to the home half of the third inning, making it look like the game could be over early.
In the home half of the third, the Padres would pick up three runs to pull within a 4-3 score, one of those runs coming as a result of a throwing error by Rockies' pitcher Jorge De La Rosa, scoring Henry Blanco who led off the inning with a walk.
In the fifth, with two on and two out and the Padres trailing 5-3, Scott Hairston launched an 0-1 fastball from De La Rosa to left field for a three run shot, his fourth of the year, to put the Padres ahead 6-5.
"It just put us ahead by a run," Hairston told MLB.com. "We knew that there was plenty of time left in the ballgame, there was no time to let up after that happened. You know, Colorado's a good team, they have a really good lineup."
Edwin Moreno would shut down the Rockies in the sixth, but got himself into trouble in the seventh, loading the bases with one out prompting manager Bud Black to bring in sidewinder Cla Meredith to face Rockies' catcher Chris Ianetta. Meredith worked the count to 2-2 but left a fastball up in the zone and Ianetta didn't miss it, hitting it over the left field wall for a grand slam to put the Rockies ahead for good 9-6.
Rockies' closer Houston Street would pitch a perfect ninth inning for his third save of the season.
Although the Padres did score six runs last night, it's not that much when you realize just how they got to that number. The Padres' offense finished the night with six runs on just four hits, four runs and three hits came off the bat of outfielder Scott Hairston, an RBI single in the third and his three run home run in the fifth. The rest of the offense could muster just one hit.
With the loss, the Padres will drop to 11-14, good for third place in the National League West behind the front running Los Angeles Dodgers (18-8) and 2nd place San Francisco Giants (12-11).
It sad to think that just a few weeks ago, this same Padres team was 9-3 and looking like they were going to be one of the more surprising teams in baseball. But that has come to a screetching hault, going 2-12 in their last 14 games, you have to believe that frustration has to be building in the Padres' clubhouse. It may just be a matter of time before that frustration boils over and some major changes are made.
"That was the type of game where everybody needed to do their job, and that didn't happen," manager Bud Black told MLB.com. "On any given night, you need the consistency from man-to-man."
The two teams will be back at it again tonight from Petco Park. The Rockies will have right hander Aaron Cook (1-1, 7.11) on the mound, the Padres will go with their young right hander Josh Geer (0-0, 5.29).
Monday, May 4, 2009
San Diego Padres: The Week That Wasn't
Well, usually when you take a look back at the week that was, you usually look back fondly thinking of all the things that happened.
For the fans of the San Diego Padres, myself included, we'll call this "The Week That Wasn't," because there's nothing to look back on fondly, except for maybe good outings from Jake Peavy and Chris Young...finally.
For the fans of the San Diego Padres, myself included, we'll call this "The Week That Wasn't," because there's nothing to look back on fondly, except for maybe good outings from Jake Peavy and Chris Young...finally.
- April 27th: After a 2-game sweep at the hands of the San Francisco Giants and losing 2-of-3 at home against the Pirates, you'd think the Padres would be able to take apart a team like the Rockies. Yeah, not so much. Starter Chris Young gets ambushed by the Rockies, giving up eight runs in just three innings of work. Padres lose 12-7.
- April 28th: Padres snap a three game losing streak, even after their bullpen tries to hand the game to Colorado, their offense has enough in the tank to come from behind. An RBI single from Luis Rodriguez in the ninth is enough for Heath Bell to close out the Rockies for his eighth save of the season. Padres win 4-3.
- April 29th: Kevin Correia pitches well, not great, but he keeps the Padres in the game, down just 3-0 after five innings. The bullpen decides to give up four more runs and even though the Padres stage a comeback, scoring five runs between in the seventh and eighth innings, it's too little too late. Padres lose 7-5.
- April 30th: Padres start a four game set with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday. Josh Geer doesn't have a great start, but again, keeps his team in the game. He left after giving up four runs through six innings, his offense pulling ahead with two runs in the top half of the seventh. But their bullpen gave up another lead, and eventually the game. Padres lose 8-5.
- May 1st: After dropping seven of their last nine, the Padres would need a good effort from ace Jake Peavy to get back on track. They didn't get a good effort, they got a great effort from Peavy. Only problem was, their offense decided to take the night off. Peavy pitches eight shutout innings and gets no help. Padres lose 1-0.
- May 2nd: This can't possibly get any worse, could it? Peavy has his first great start of the season, and gets no run support. Chris Young is next up and is just as dominant, giving up just one run in his seven innings pitched, yet the offense only gives him one run in support off an Edgar Gonzalez solo home run in the first inning. Luke Gregerson loads the bases and gives up a game winning single to Andre Etheir in the tenth inning. Padres lose 2-1.
- May 3rd: Chad Gaudin gets the start against the Dodgers, Padre fans were hoping for the same effort he gave in his debut when he threw five shutout innings. They hoped for too much as Gaudin gave up six runs through 5 2/3 innings. Padres lose 7-3.
A week this team would rather forget and a losing skid that has the team wondering if there's any end in sight. You have to believe Kevin Towers and the Padres' front office has already begun to talk about what changes they can make to right this ship. It's just a matter of time before those changes start coming.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Padres-Dodgers: Padres' Free Fall Continues, Swept by Dodgers
It's been a long few weeks for the San Diego Padres, a few weeks they would rather forget they even played. When their offense put up runs, their pitching was giving up runs. When their pitching finally came around, it was their offense that fell apart.
Jake Peavy and Chris Young did their jobs on Friday and Saturday nights, but the Padres' offense decided to take both nights off, scoring just one run combined in the two losses, both were decided by just one run.
On Sunday afternoon, it was a completely different story. This time, the pitching and offense both couldn't get anything started. Padres' starter Chad Gaudin, after a good first start in his debut, got shelled by the Dodgers' offense. Gaudin gave up six runs on eight hits in just five and two-third innings in a 7-3 loss, getting only an RBI double from Edgar Gonzalez in the second inning in support. The other two runs came late in the game on solo home runs from Brian Giles and Jody Gerut.
So, the Padres will limp back to San Diego having lost nine of their last eleven games, included five straight. A team that was one of the surprises early on, jumping out to a 9-3 record and were sitting on top of the National League's Western Division, have now dropped back to earth with a resounding thud, currently holding an 11-14 record.
This team can't point fingers, both sides have been at fault for their free fall, both sides haven't done their jobs. Their bullpen is overworked, starters have only gone more than seven innings a few times this season and their closer, Heath Bell, has only pitched once in the last eight days. His last appearance was April 28th against the Colorado Rockies, a game the Padres won 4-3. You have to wonder why you don't bring this guy into a close game, he may be the only one that can shut a team down and keep the Padres in a game they can still win.
Instead, guys like Edwin Moreno, Edward Mujica, Luke Gregerson and Duaner Sanchez have been brought into close games, all four guys unable to hold leads, and those games eventually slip away.
The question now becomes, when will this frustration boil over for the players that have been here the longest. We all know the rumors about Jake Peavy being traded out of town, will it go from the Padres shipping him somewhere, or will Jake be the one to ask out of San Diego? What about Adrian Gonzalez? When will enough be enough for the Gold Glove first baseman? Can the Padres survive without one or both of these guys, because it could be a very real scenario of this free fall continues.
After being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Padres will return home to begin a four game home stand against the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks before going back on the road for six games against the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs.
It could be very possible that the Padres could be a lot further out of the NL West race after the next 10 games than a lot of us want to even think about.
Don't be surprised that, if this free fall continues, the Padres may start to bring up some of their pitchers and position players from Triple-A Portland. We may see guys like Will Venable, Chad Huffman and maybe Kyle Blanks. Blanks would be the biggest surprise to see in San Diego after only a month of the season complete. But as well as the big first baseman is playing the Padres may not have a choice if they're wanting to keep themselves within striking distance of the front running Dodgers.
Jake Peavy and Chris Young did their jobs on Friday and Saturday nights, but the Padres' offense decided to take both nights off, scoring just one run combined in the two losses, both were decided by just one run.
On Sunday afternoon, it was a completely different story. This time, the pitching and offense both couldn't get anything started. Padres' starter Chad Gaudin, after a good first start in his debut, got shelled by the Dodgers' offense. Gaudin gave up six runs on eight hits in just five and two-third innings in a 7-3 loss, getting only an RBI double from Edgar Gonzalez in the second inning in support. The other two runs came late in the game on solo home runs from Brian Giles and Jody Gerut.
So, the Padres will limp back to San Diego having lost nine of their last eleven games, included five straight. A team that was one of the surprises early on, jumping out to a 9-3 record and were sitting on top of the National League's Western Division, have now dropped back to earth with a resounding thud, currently holding an 11-14 record.
This team can't point fingers, both sides have been at fault for their free fall, both sides haven't done their jobs. Their bullpen is overworked, starters have only gone more than seven innings a few times this season and their closer, Heath Bell, has only pitched once in the last eight days. His last appearance was April 28th against the Colorado Rockies, a game the Padres won 4-3. You have to wonder why you don't bring this guy into a close game, he may be the only one that can shut a team down and keep the Padres in a game they can still win.
Instead, guys like Edwin Moreno, Edward Mujica, Luke Gregerson and Duaner Sanchez have been brought into close games, all four guys unable to hold leads, and those games eventually slip away.
The question now becomes, when will this frustration boil over for the players that have been here the longest. We all know the rumors about Jake Peavy being traded out of town, will it go from the Padres shipping him somewhere, or will Jake be the one to ask out of San Diego? What about Adrian Gonzalez? When will enough be enough for the Gold Glove first baseman? Can the Padres survive without one or both of these guys, because it could be a very real scenario of this free fall continues.
After being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Padres will return home to begin a four game home stand against the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks before going back on the road for six games against the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs.
It could be very possible that the Padres could be a lot further out of the NL West race after the next 10 games than a lot of us want to even think about.
Don't be surprised that, if this free fall continues, the Padres may start to bring up some of their pitchers and position players from Triple-A Portland. We may see guys like Will Venable, Chad Huffman and maybe Kyle Blanks. Blanks would be the biggest surprise to see in San Diego after only a month of the season complete. But as well as the big first baseman is playing the Padres may not have a choice if they're wanting to keep themselves within striking distance of the front running Dodgers.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Could Changes Be Abound For the San Diego Padres?
After watching another game get away Thursday night, don't expect general manager Kevin Towers to sit around and watch while the season gets away from the Padres early.
MLB.com's Corey Brock has a post up on his blog this afternoon talking about possible changes that might come around and a familiar 'scowl' on the face of Towers.
Look for the first course of action to be the bullpen which has struggled mightily over this bad ten game stretch the Padres have been on. Guys like Edward Mujica, Edwin Moreno and Luke Gregerson could be on the trading blocks, not to mention Duaner Sanchez and Cla Meredith could be in trouble as well.
On the offensive side of things, Brian Giles may not have a job much longer, especially if he continues to struggle like he has lately. Giles has yet to reach the .200 mark and got moved from the third spot in the lineup to the leadoff position after hitting .169 through the first 21 games. It didn't help as Giles went hitless again, dropping his average down to .163.
Another guy that could find his way out is short stop Chris Burke who is a viable defensive option but doesn't offer much at the plate. He could prompt Kevin Towers to look at the waiver wire or look at trade options to find another backup short stop until Everth Cabrera returns from injury.
The biggest story could be that of Jake Peavy. The Padres' ace right hander is trying to rebound from a rough start to his 2009 season as he gets the start on Friday night against the rival Dodgers. Peavy is 1-2 with a 5.79 ERA and during an interview with Darren Smith of San Diego's XX Sports Radio, general manager Kevin Towers says Peavy needs to step it up.
"For Jake to even be an attractive piece for another ball club, he's going to have to step it up as well. We're certainly not going to just give him away just to move the dollars. Any Peavy deal we would consider doing we're going to have to get good players back and for that to happen he's going to have to pitch better. It's two fold, hopefully we stay in it and stay competitive Hopefully he pitches a little bit better for the next two and a half months, makes it a difficult decision for us either to move him or hold onto him. As for right now, plan on him being here."
The good news for San Diego will be the return of starters Cha Seung Baek and Walter Silva sometime in the next few weeks. On top of that, getting good news about right hander Shawn Hill's injury that he suffered on Sunday April 26th. Test results showed fluid that had built up in back of the elbow, also some tendinitis in the forearm. He's expected to re-join the Padres in the next few weeks.
If this team can pull their pitching back together and their offense can keep putting up the kind of numbers they have recently, this team can stay in the NL West for the long haul. But if their pitching continues to struggle, this season could be over long before the trade deadline.
MLB.com's Corey Brock has a post up on his blog this afternoon talking about possible changes that might come around and a familiar 'scowl' on the face of Towers.
Look for the first course of action to be the bullpen which has struggled mightily over this bad ten game stretch the Padres have been on. Guys like Edward Mujica, Edwin Moreno and Luke Gregerson could be on the trading blocks, not to mention Duaner Sanchez and Cla Meredith could be in trouble as well.
On the offensive side of things, Brian Giles may not have a job much longer, especially if he continues to struggle like he has lately. Giles has yet to reach the .200 mark and got moved from the third spot in the lineup to the leadoff position after hitting .169 through the first 21 games. It didn't help as Giles went hitless again, dropping his average down to .163.
Another guy that could find his way out is short stop Chris Burke who is a viable defensive option but doesn't offer much at the plate. He could prompt Kevin Towers to look at the waiver wire or look at trade options to find another backup short stop until Everth Cabrera returns from injury.
The biggest story could be that of Jake Peavy. The Padres' ace right hander is trying to rebound from a rough start to his 2009 season as he gets the start on Friday night against the rival Dodgers. Peavy is 1-2 with a 5.79 ERA and during an interview with Darren Smith of San Diego's XX Sports Radio, general manager Kevin Towers says Peavy needs to step it up.
"For Jake to even be an attractive piece for another ball club, he's going to have to step it up as well. We're certainly not going to just give him away just to move the dollars. Any Peavy deal we would consider doing we're going to have to get good players back and for that to happen he's going to have to pitch better. It's two fold, hopefully we stay in it and stay competitive Hopefully he pitches a little bit better for the next two and a half months, makes it a difficult decision for us either to move him or hold onto him. As for right now, plan on him being here."
The good news for San Diego will be the return of starters Cha Seung Baek and Walter Silva sometime in the next few weeks. On top of that, getting good news about right hander Shawn Hill's injury that he suffered on Sunday April 26th. Test results showed fluid that had built up in back of the elbow, also some tendinitis in the forearm. He's expected to re-join the Padres in the next few weeks.
If this team can pull their pitching back together and their offense can keep putting up the kind of numbers they have recently, this team can stay in the NL West for the long haul. But if their pitching continues to struggle, this season could be over long before the trade deadline.
Padres-Dodgers: Costly Error Leads to Padres Loss
After everything seemed to be going right for the San Diego Padres to start the 2009 season, it's all come crashing down around them.
The Padres had won 9 of their first 13 games and looked to be one of the biggest surprises of the season, but going into their game against the Dodgers on Thursday night, the Padres had dropped six of their last eight games and were hoping to get back on the right track.
Padres' starter Josh Geer didn't have the greatest start for San Diego, giving up four runs, three of which came on back-to-back home runs from Orlando Hudson, a two run shot, and Manny Ramirez, on seven hits and striking out four without walking a batter in six innings of work. He would depart with the Padres behind 4-3, but an RBI double by Adrian Gonzalez and fielder's choice groundout by Kevin Kouzmanoff put the Padres ahead 5-4, putting Geer in line for the win if their bullpen could hang on.
That lead would be short lived. Padres' reliever Luke Gregerson came on in the seventh and promptly gave up back-to-back singles to Matt Kemp and Casey Blake and would then face former Padre second baseman Mark Loretta. Loretta made his former team pay, lining a game tying RBI single to right center, scoring Matt Kemp.
After getting Rafael Furcal to strikeout, Orlando Hudson would single to right. Right fielder Brian Giles came up throwing but the ball not only got past catcher Nick Hundley but also pitcher Luke Gregerson, who was backing up the play, allowing Casey Blake to score the go ahead run.
Gregerson stayed in the game just long enough to intentionally walk Manny Ramirez, who had homered earlier in the game, and then would be replaced by Edward Mujica who got Andre Ethier to ground into an inning ending double play.
The Dodgers would get to Mujica in the eighth inning, getting an RBI double from Matt Kemp and RBI single from Casey Blake to put them even further ahead, 8-5.
In the ninth, the hard throwing Jonathan Broxton would come in and after allowing a lead walk to outfielder Scott Hairston would strike out Adrian Gonzalez and Chase Headley looking and Kevin Kouzmanoff swinging to end the game and finish off his seventh save in eight chances.
For the Padres, it's another of many frustrating games they've been through. They've gotten the offensive output, something they didn't get in 2008, but it's been their starters and their bullpens that have give up leads or given up too many runs for their offense to overcome.
General Manager Kevin Towers is going to have to make some changes to their bullpen because besides closer Heath Bell, the rest of their guys just aren't getting it done. After the Padres' bullpen posted an 2.52 ERA in their first twelve games, they've posted a 6.87 ERA in the last ten games, a stretch that has seen this team go from 9-3 to 11-11, a 2-8 record.
In that same ten day stretch, the bullpen has given up 26 earned runs in 25 2/3 innings.
A change that did happen last night was right fielder Brian Giles being moved from the number three spot in the lineup to the leadoff spot after struggling to a .169 average going into the last night's game. That change didn't help much as Giles went hitless (0/3) for the third straight game, dropping his average down to .163.
If this continues, the Padres may look to Triple-A Portland and move Giles to reserve outfielder role until they can either trade him or place him on waivers.
The Padres and Dodgers will be back at it tonight from Dodger Stadium. Padres' ace Jake Peavy (2-3, 5.74) will try to rebound from two straight bad outings against a team he usually dominates.
The Dodgers will counter with Clayton Kershaw (0-2, 7.29) who the Padres dealt with earlier in the season and were handcuffed. Kershaw held the Padres to just one run through five innings, giving up just two hits while striking out six.
Additional Padre notes: Adrian Gonzalez extended his hit streak to twelve straight games with a single in the top half of the second inning. He's now reached base safely in all 22 games.
The Padres had won 9 of their first 13 games and looked to be one of the biggest surprises of the season, but going into their game against the Dodgers on Thursday night, the Padres had dropped six of their last eight games and were hoping to get back on the right track.
Padres' starter Josh Geer didn't have the greatest start for San Diego, giving up four runs, three of which came on back-to-back home runs from Orlando Hudson, a two run shot, and Manny Ramirez, on seven hits and striking out four without walking a batter in six innings of work. He would depart with the Padres behind 4-3, but an RBI double by Adrian Gonzalez and fielder's choice groundout by Kevin Kouzmanoff put the Padres ahead 5-4, putting Geer in line for the win if their bullpen could hang on.
That lead would be short lived. Padres' reliever Luke Gregerson came on in the seventh and promptly gave up back-to-back singles to Matt Kemp and Casey Blake and would then face former Padre second baseman Mark Loretta. Loretta made his former team pay, lining a game tying RBI single to right center, scoring Matt Kemp.
After getting Rafael Furcal to strikeout, Orlando Hudson would single to right. Right fielder Brian Giles came up throwing but the ball not only got past catcher Nick Hundley but also pitcher Luke Gregerson, who was backing up the play, allowing Casey Blake to score the go ahead run.
Gregerson stayed in the game just long enough to intentionally walk Manny Ramirez, who had homered earlier in the game, and then would be replaced by Edward Mujica who got Andre Ethier to ground into an inning ending double play.
The Dodgers would get to Mujica in the eighth inning, getting an RBI double from Matt Kemp and RBI single from Casey Blake to put them even further ahead, 8-5.
In the ninth, the hard throwing Jonathan Broxton would come in and after allowing a lead walk to outfielder Scott Hairston would strike out Adrian Gonzalez and Chase Headley looking and Kevin Kouzmanoff swinging to end the game and finish off his seventh save in eight chances.
For the Padres, it's another of many frustrating games they've been through. They've gotten the offensive output, something they didn't get in 2008, but it's been their starters and their bullpens that have give up leads or given up too many runs for their offense to overcome.
General Manager Kevin Towers is going to have to make some changes to their bullpen because besides closer Heath Bell, the rest of their guys just aren't getting it done. After the Padres' bullpen posted an 2.52 ERA in their first twelve games, they've posted a 6.87 ERA in the last ten games, a stretch that has seen this team go from 9-3 to 11-11, a 2-8 record.
In that same ten day stretch, the bullpen has given up 26 earned runs in 25 2/3 innings.
A change that did happen last night was right fielder Brian Giles being moved from the number three spot in the lineup to the leadoff spot after struggling to a .169 average going into the last night's game. That change didn't help much as Giles went hitless (0/3) for the third straight game, dropping his average down to .163.
If this continues, the Padres may look to Triple-A Portland and move Giles to reserve outfielder role until they can either trade him or place him on waivers.
The Padres and Dodgers will be back at it tonight from Dodger Stadium. Padres' ace Jake Peavy (2-3, 5.74) will try to rebound from two straight bad outings against a team he usually dominates.
The Dodgers will counter with Clayton Kershaw (0-2, 7.29) who the Padres dealt with earlier in the season and were handcuffed. Kershaw held the Padres to just one run through five innings, giving up just two hits while striking out six.
Additional Padre notes: Adrian Gonzalez extended his hit streak to twelve straight games with a single in the top half of the second inning. He's now reached base safely in all 22 games.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Padres-Rockies: Two Home Runs From Gonzalez Not Enough in Loss to Rockies
Padres' first baseman Adrian Gonzalez would be the first to tell you that setting a team record doesn't mean as much as his team getting a win. So, when he set the team record for most home runs in the month of April (9), you could understand why his mood was a little somber.
Adrian was responsible for three of the Padres' five runs, hammering a solo shot in the seventh inning and followed that up with a two run blast in the eighth for his eighth and ninth home runs of the year, but it was too little too late as the Padres dropped a 7-5 decision to Colorado Wednesday afternoon.
Rockies' starter Aaron Cook just had to pick the Padres to have his best outing of the season, shutting out the Padres for six innings before giving up three runs in the seventh inning off home runs from Adrian Gonzalez and catcher Henry Blanco.
Padres' right hander Kevin Correia had his usual outing, giving up three runs through his five innings of work but his walks continue to get him into trouble, walking four for the third time in his first four starts. He at least kept his team in the ballgame, but says he wants to get his pitch count down to be able to pitch deeper into games.
"I'm not giving up too many runs," said Correia. "I'm just not staying in the game long enough. I had a couple longer innings, and my pitch count's just too high right now. I got to find a way to get it down."
It took just two swings of the bat for Correia to fall behind. In the second inning, Correia had a full count to Rockies' catcher Chris Ianetta with two outs and pitcher Aaron Cook on deck. Correia tried to throw a slider but missed with his location and Ianetta got enough of it to hit it over the left field fence for a two run home run to put the Rockies ahead 2-0.
In the very next inning, Rockies' first baseman Todd Helton got a hold of a 3-1 offering from Correia for a solo shot to extend the lead to 3-0 but would keep them off the scoreboard in the fourth and fifth innings, departing after completing the fifth inning.
That's when the game got out of hand. Cla Meredith would give up an RBI single to Chris Ianetta and a sacrifice fly to Dexter Fowler before being pulled in favor of newly called up Arturo Lopez. Unfortunately, Lopez didn't fare any better, giving up two walks and a two run single to Todd Helton to extend the Rockies' lead to 7-0.
It was too much for San Diego to overcome, although two home runs from Adrian Gonzalez and one from Henry Blanco brought them close but not close enough.
Miraculously, even though San Diego is just one game above .500, they remain in second place in the National League Western Division behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. Shows how competetive, or lack thereof, the NL West is in 2009.
Speaking of the Dodgers, the Padres will be in Los Angeles for the first of a four game set starting tonight. Young right hander Josh Geer (0-0, 4.91) will try to rebound from his rough relief appearance a few days ago, giving up four runs in three innings as he gets the start tonight against the Dodgers.
As for LA, James McDonald (1-1, 7.11) will make his third start of the season, though he didn't have much luck in his first two starts. He gave up five runs on two hits while walking three in just two and one third inning in his first start against Arizona.
He had more luck in his second start against Colorado, going four and a third shutout innings, giving up just four hits but didn't pitch long enough to earn a decision in a 14-2 win.
McDonald made another start against the Rockies six days later and didn't fare nearly as well. He gave up four runs on five hits in five innings of work, getting his first win of the season.
Additional Padre notes: Adrian Gonzalez extended his hit streak to eleven straight games with his solo home run in the seventh inning. He's now reached base safely in all 21 games.
Adrian was responsible for three of the Padres' five runs, hammering a solo shot in the seventh inning and followed that up with a two run blast in the eighth for his eighth and ninth home runs of the year, but it was too little too late as the Padres dropped a 7-5 decision to Colorado Wednesday afternoon.
Rockies' starter Aaron Cook just had to pick the Padres to have his best outing of the season, shutting out the Padres for six innings before giving up three runs in the seventh inning off home runs from Adrian Gonzalez and catcher Henry Blanco.
Padres' right hander Kevin Correia had his usual outing, giving up three runs through his five innings of work but his walks continue to get him into trouble, walking four for the third time in his first four starts. He at least kept his team in the ballgame, but says he wants to get his pitch count down to be able to pitch deeper into games.
"I'm not giving up too many runs," said Correia. "I'm just not staying in the game long enough. I had a couple longer innings, and my pitch count's just too high right now. I got to find a way to get it down."
It took just two swings of the bat for Correia to fall behind. In the second inning, Correia had a full count to Rockies' catcher Chris Ianetta with two outs and pitcher Aaron Cook on deck. Correia tried to throw a slider but missed with his location and Ianetta got enough of it to hit it over the left field fence for a two run home run to put the Rockies ahead 2-0.
In the very next inning, Rockies' first baseman Todd Helton got a hold of a 3-1 offering from Correia for a solo shot to extend the lead to 3-0 but would keep them off the scoreboard in the fourth and fifth innings, departing after completing the fifth inning.
That's when the game got out of hand. Cla Meredith would give up an RBI single to Chris Ianetta and a sacrifice fly to Dexter Fowler before being pulled in favor of newly called up Arturo Lopez. Unfortunately, Lopez didn't fare any better, giving up two walks and a two run single to Todd Helton to extend the Rockies' lead to 7-0.
It was too much for San Diego to overcome, although two home runs from Adrian Gonzalez and one from Henry Blanco brought them close but not close enough.
Miraculously, even though San Diego is just one game above .500, they remain in second place in the National League Western Division behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. Shows how competetive, or lack thereof, the NL West is in 2009.
Speaking of the Dodgers, the Padres will be in Los Angeles for the first of a four game set starting tonight. Young right hander Josh Geer (0-0, 4.91) will try to rebound from his rough relief appearance a few days ago, giving up four runs in three innings as he gets the start tonight against the Dodgers.
As for LA, James McDonald (1-1, 7.11) will make his third start of the season, though he didn't have much luck in his first two starts. He gave up five runs on two hits while walking three in just two and one third inning in his first start against Arizona.
He had more luck in his second start against Colorado, going four and a third shutout innings, giving up just four hits but didn't pitch long enough to earn a decision in a 14-2 win.
McDonald made another start against the Rockies six days later and didn't fare nearly as well. He gave up four runs on five hits in five innings of work, getting his first win of the season.
Additional Padre notes: Adrian Gonzalez extended his hit streak to eleven straight games with his solo home run in the seventh inning. He's now reached base safely in all 21 games.
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