Coming off a sweep of the Cincinnati Reds, the Padres used the off day on Monday to get ready for a three game set against NL West foe the San Francisco Giants.
May 19th: Both teams got great pitching efforts from their starters. Giants' starter Barry Zito went the distance, giving up just two runs on five hits, walking four and striking out three while Padres' starter Chris Young was that much better. Young would give up just one run on five hits, walking three and striking out six through his six innings of work.
Solo home runs from Scott Hairston and Nick Hundley were the difference for San Diego as the Padres won their fourth straight game, 2-1.
May 20th: After a pitching duel on Tuesday night, starters Chad Gaudin (San Diego) and Jonathan Sanchez (San Francisco) would take aim and try to get their team the win.
The Giants took a 1-0 lead in the second on an Emmanual Burriss RBI single but the Padres got that run back in the home half of the second on an RBI double from Chris Burke to tie the game, 1-1.
The knockout punch came in the fourth inning when Kevin Kouzmanoff sent a Barry Zito pitch deep into the San Diego night and into the left field stands to give San Diego a 2-1 lead. The Padres' bullpen held that lead, throwing three scoreless innings to close out the game, capped off by Heath Bell's 11th save in as many chances. Padres win their fifth straight game, 2-1.
May 21st: A day filled with drama for the Padres. The day started with the possible trade of Jake Peavy to the White Sox, continued with the addition of Tony Gwynn Jr and would cap off with the Padres' sixth straight win, but the game wasn't without drama of its own.
With the Padres down 2-1 in the ninth and the bases loaded, Giants' reliever Brian Wilson hit second baseman David Eckstein with a pitch, scoring Kevin Kouzmanoff and tying the game, 2-2. The very next batter, Scott Hairston, would line a pitch into left, scoring Gwynn Jr and sending the Padres and their fans home happy with the team's sixth consecutive victory.
May 22nd: Less than 24 hours removed from almost being traded, Jake Peavy had to have a lot on his mind, maybe he had something to prove.
If he had frustrations, it was the Cubs that Peavy took them out on as he would shut them out through six innings, striking out 10 batters while walking four. Jake also got offensive support, capped off by Adrian Gonzalez' 16th home run of the year as the Padres won their seventh straight game, 4-0.
May 23rd: After winning seven straight, the Padres wanted that ride to continue and they would need a good start from starter Josh Geer. A good start is exactly what they got as Geer would give up just one run on a solo home run by Cubs' first baseman Derek Lee in the second inning.
The Padres' offense took care of the rest thanks to a two run double by right fielder Brian Giles in the fourth and an RBI single by Chris Burke in the seventh. They also got a huge defensive play by Adrian Gonzalez in the ninth to get Edward Mujica out of a two on nobody out jam as the Padres won their eighth straight, 3-1.
May 24th: Starters Ted Lilly and Chris Young matched each other for four innings but that was as long as the Padres' offense was prepared to wait.
Surprisingly, it was Chris Young himself that got things started, smacking a first pitch fastball to left for a two run single to put San Diego ahead, 2-0.
San Diego would get two more runs to go ahead 4-0, but the Cubs would get two back on Reed Johnson's two run home run in the seventh to pull within striking distance. But San Diego's Kevin Kouzmanoff delivered the knockout blow as he hammered a three run shot to left to put the Padres ahead for good, giving them their ninth straight win, 7-2.
Week Recap: San Diego finishes off their week a perfect 6-0 and capped off a 9-0 homestand with a sweep of the Chicago Cubs. Their pitching was flawless, their bullpen was even better and their offense was putting up runs. Don't look now, but here come the San Diego Padres.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Padres-DBacks: Padres Use Huge Comeback to Win Tenth Straight
This can't be the same San Diego Padres team that lost 18 of 22 games through the first few weeks of May, it just can't be.
Well, you can keep teling yourself that but the San Diego Padres came from six runs behind to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-7, capped by a big two run home run from left fielder Chase Headley in the top half of the tenth inning off Arizona reliever Tony Pena.
Through six innings, it looked like the win streak was going to come through an end with the Padres down 7-1, their lone run coming in the fourth inning on Adrian Gonzalez' 17th home run of the season.
Padres' starter Chad Gaudin had one of his worst starts of the season, giving up seven runs on five hits and striking out six but he walked five batters as well as hitting a batter. The Padres needed a much better start out of him if the win streak was going to continue. Luckily for Gaudin and San Diego, the Padres' offense came alive.
In the top half of the eighth, the Padres loaded the bases with just one out and would then get back-to-back RBI singles from Kevin Kouzmanoff and Henry Blanco, pulling the Padres to within four runs, 7-3, but they weren't done. After Chase Headley popped out for the second out of the inning, right fielder Drew Macias came up with a big two out bases clearing double to pull the Padres to within one, 7-6.
In the top half of the ninth, Brian Giles would get a lead off pinch hit double and would later score on an RBI single from Scott Hairston and just like that, the Padres had come from six runs back to tie the game at 7-7.
In the tenth, with Tony Pena on the hill for Arizona, catcher Henry Blanco would lead off the inning with a single to center which brought up Chase Headley. Headley would crush a 1-1 pitch to right center for the game winning two run shot, capping an unthinkable come from behind victory.
Headley wouldn't be the only hero on this night, the Padres' bullpen deserves a ton of credit. After being dominant at home during the team's 9-0 homestand, they continued their dominance against Arizona, pitching four and a two third scoreless innings, giving up just two hits. Heath Bell came in to close out the win for the Padres and get his 13th save in as many chances with a perfect 10th inning, lowering his ERA to 0.47.
Can the Padres keep this streak alive, could this team really catch the Dodgers from behind after people had written them off just a few short weeks ago? They will give it a shot as they'll play the second game of a three game set against Arizona on Tuesday night. The Padres will have Kevin Correia (1-2, 4.53) on the hill while Arizona will counter with right hander Max Scherzer (1-3, 3.50)
Well, you can keep teling yourself that but the San Diego Padres came from six runs behind to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-7, capped by a big two run home run from left fielder Chase Headley in the top half of the tenth inning off Arizona reliever Tony Pena.
Through six innings, it looked like the win streak was going to come through an end with the Padres down 7-1, their lone run coming in the fourth inning on Adrian Gonzalez' 17th home run of the season.
Padres' starter Chad Gaudin had one of his worst starts of the season, giving up seven runs on five hits and striking out six but he walked five batters as well as hitting a batter. The Padres needed a much better start out of him if the win streak was going to continue. Luckily for Gaudin and San Diego, the Padres' offense came alive.
In the top half of the eighth, the Padres loaded the bases with just one out and would then get back-to-back RBI singles from Kevin Kouzmanoff and Henry Blanco, pulling the Padres to within four runs, 7-3, but they weren't done. After Chase Headley popped out for the second out of the inning, right fielder Drew Macias came up with a big two out bases clearing double to pull the Padres to within one, 7-6.
In the top half of the ninth, Brian Giles would get a lead off pinch hit double and would later score on an RBI single from Scott Hairston and just like that, the Padres had come from six runs back to tie the game at 7-7.
In the tenth, with Tony Pena on the hill for Arizona, catcher Henry Blanco would lead off the inning with a single to center which brought up Chase Headley. Headley would crush a 1-1 pitch to right center for the game winning two run shot, capping an unthinkable come from behind victory.
Headley wouldn't be the only hero on this night, the Padres' bullpen deserves a ton of credit. After being dominant at home during the team's 9-0 homestand, they continued their dominance against Arizona, pitching four and a two third scoreless innings, giving up just two hits. Heath Bell came in to close out the win for the Padres and get his 13th save in as many chances with a perfect 10th inning, lowering his ERA to 0.47.
Can the Padres keep this streak alive, could this team really catch the Dodgers from behind after people had written them off just a few short weeks ago? They will give it a shot as they'll play the second game of a three game set against Arizona on Tuesday night. The Padres will have Kevin Correia (1-2, 4.53) on the hill while Arizona will counter with right hander Max Scherzer (1-3, 3.50)
The Swinging Friar Has Moved
To all of you who have followed The Swinging Friar all through the baseball season so far, a big thank you goes out to all of you.
Although I will keep this updated as much as possible, I've moved the site to a new location which you can find here. You'll find everything there that you read here complete with post game recaps, analysis on the upcoming MLB Amateur Draft on June 9th, breakdowns on any trades the team may make as well as any hot rumors that may come our way.
If you see a Padres rumor before I do, please feel free to email me with the link and we'll get it up on the site as soon as possible. Thanks again for the support and please continue to check back to both sites for everything San Diego Padres.
Although I will keep this updated as much as possible, I've moved the site to a new location which you can find here. You'll find everything there that you read here complete with post game recaps, analysis on the upcoming MLB Amateur Draft on June 9th, breakdowns on any trades the team may make as well as any hot rumors that may come our way.
If you see a Padres rumor before I do, please feel free to email me with the link and we'll get it up on the site as soon as possible. Thanks again for the support and please continue to check back to both sites for everything San Diego Padres.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Padres Willing to Trade Kevin Kouzmanoff?
Kevin Kouzmanoff hit a bit three run home run on Sunday afternoon to put away a 7-2 Padres' victory over the Chicago Cubs, giving them their ninth straight win.
Even with the home run, Kouz is only hitting .236 and it's well known that Chase Headley is the better defensive third baseman and moving Kouz would give the Padres their chance to move Headley to his natural position. Not only that, but it would allow them to give Tony Gwynn Jr and Drew Macias more playing time in the outfield.
The question is, who would be interested in a third baseman hitting .236? Well, according to Gordon Whittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Cubs could be that team. With Aramis Ramirez still on the sidelines, the Cubs have gone with a platoon of Mike Fontenot, Bobby Scales and Ryan Freel but neither of those three guys have been the answer. Apparently, according to Whittenmyer, the Padres have shown a willingness to move Kouzmanoff but the question becomes what do the Padres want in return?
If I'm San Diego, and I know this was a name that was thrown about in the Peavy to Cubs rumor last December, but I'd talk to the Cubs about 6'7" left hander Sean Marshall (2-3, 3.96). I don't know if the Cubs are willing to trade Marshall, but he would be a great fit in the Padres' rotation.
The only problem I'd see with the Cubs making this move is having Aramis Ramirez making progress on his rehab. What do they do with Kouzmanoff once Ramirez is ready to come back, do they trade Kouzmanoff to another team? You could look at one thing that could be enticing to Kouzmanoff about playing in Chicago, his dad Marc played for the Bears as a linebacker during the preseason in 1974.
''I haven't heard my name being thrown out there,'' Kouz told the Chicago Sun-Times. ''I'm here with the Padres, and I'm here to play for the Padres and win here. If I happen to go somewhere else, then I go somewhere else and I play just as hard for them.''
Even with the home run, Kouz is only hitting .236 and it's well known that Chase Headley is the better defensive third baseman and moving Kouz would give the Padres their chance to move Headley to his natural position. Not only that, but it would allow them to give Tony Gwynn Jr and Drew Macias more playing time in the outfield.
The question is, who would be interested in a third baseman hitting .236? Well, according to Gordon Whittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Cubs could be that team. With Aramis Ramirez still on the sidelines, the Cubs have gone with a platoon of Mike Fontenot, Bobby Scales and Ryan Freel but neither of those three guys have been the answer. Apparently, according to Whittenmyer, the Padres have shown a willingness to move Kouzmanoff but the question becomes what do the Padres want in return?
If I'm San Diego, and I know this was a name that was thrown about in the Peavy to Cubs rumor last December, but I'd talk to the Cubs about 6'7" left hander Sean Marshall (2-3, 3.96). I don't know if the Cubs are willing to trade Marshall, but he would be a great fit in the Padres' rotation.
The only problem I'd see with the Cubs making this move is having Aramis Ramirez making progress on his rehab. What do they do with Kouzmanoff once Ramirez is ready to come back, do they trade Kouzmanoff to another team? You could look at one thing that could be enticing to Kouzmanoff about playing in Chicago, his dad Marc played for the Bears as a linebacker during the preseason in 1974.
''I haven't heard my name being thrown out there,'' Kouz told the Chicago Sun-Times. ''I'm here with the Padres, and I'm here to play for the Padres and win here. If I happen to go somewhere else, then I go somewhere else and I play just as hard for them.''
Padres-Cubs: Padres Win Ninth Straight Behind Young's Arm, Bat
Chris Young is known for being a strong right handed arm and a stopper when the team is on a losing streak and they need a big start, he's not known for being a hitter.
Apparently, someone forgot to tell Young that because the big 6'10" pitcher hit a two run single, his second hit off Cubs' starter Ted Lilly, in the fifth inning to lead the Padres to a 7-2 win, a series sweep of the Cubs and the team's ninth straight win. Something this team hasn't done since May of 2006 when the Padres swept a four game series against the same Chicago Cubs.
After Lilly and Young matched each other inning for inning, it looked like this game was going to be a pitcher's dual. But in the fifth, the Padres would finally break through. With two on and one out, the Cubs' decided to intentionally walk short stop Josh Wilson in favor of facing pitcher Chris Young who had already singled once off Lilly. Young made him pay as he ripped a first pitch fastball into left field, scoring Drew Macias and Chase Headley to put San Diego ahead, 2-0.
The Cubs would cut the lead to 4-2 in the top half of the seventh thanks to a Reed Johnson two run home run that barely cleared the left field wall, but that was as close as they would get.
In the home half of the seventh, Lilly would give up a lead double to pinch hitter Edgar Gonzalez and, after a sacrifice bunt from David Eckstein, Lilly would be pulled in favor of Aaron Heilman.
Heilman would strike out outfielder Scott Hairston and would then intentionally walk first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, deciding to instead face third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff who had an RBI double earlier in the game. Kouzmanoff would make them pay for that decision, hammering a 2-1 slider three rows deep in left field for a three run home run, his fourth of the season, giving Kouzmanoff four RBI on the day.
Padres' starter Chris Young would finish his day giving up two runs on four hits, striking out four and not walking a single batter in seven full innings. The Padres bullpen again was flawless with Luke Gregerson and Greg Burke pitching scoreless innings in the eighth and ninth innings respectively, closing out the Padres' ninth straight victory.
San Diego will try and continue their winning ways as they head out on the road for a three game set in Phoenix against the Diamondbacks and then another three game set in Denver against the Colorado Rockies.
The Padres will have Chad Gaudin (1-3, 4.18) in game one against Arizona on Monday, Kevin Correia (1-2, 4.53) in game two and Jake Peavy (4-5, 3.48) will close out the three game set in Phoenix on Wednesday before the team has an off day on Thursday before heading to Denver.
Apparently, someone forgot to tell Young that because the big 6'10" pitcher hit a two run single, his second hit off Cubs' starter Ted Lilly, in the fifth inning to lead the Padres to a 7-2 win, a series sweep of the Cubs and the team's ninth straight win. Something this team hasn't done since May of 2006 when the Padres swept a four game series against the same Chicago Cubs.
After Lilly and Young matched each other inning for inning, it looked like this game was going to be a pitcher's dual. But in the fifth, the Padres would finally break through. With two on and one out, the Cubs' decided to intentionally walk short stop Josh Wilson in favor of facing pitcher Chris Young who had already singled once off Lilly. Young made him pay as he ripped a first pitch fastball into left field, scoring Drew Macias and Chase Headley to put San Diego ahead, 2-0.
The Cubs would cut the lead to 4-2 in the top half of the seventh thanks to a Reed Johnson two run home run that barely cleared the left field wall, but that was as close as they would get.
In the home half of the seventh, Lilly would give up a lead double to pinch hitter Edgar Gonzalez and, after a sacrifice bunt from David Eckstein, Lilly would be pulled in favor of Aaron Heilman.
Heilman would strike out outfielder Scott Hairston and would then intentionally walk first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, deciding to instead face third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff who had an RBI double earlier in the game. Kouzmanoff would make them pay for that decision, hammering a 2-1 slider three rows deep in left field for a three run home run, his fourth of the season, giving Kouzmanoff four RBI on the day.
Padres' starter Chris Young would finish his day giving up two runs on four hits, striking out four and not walking a single batter in seven full innings. The Padres bullpen again was flawless with Luke Gregerson and Greg Burke pitching scoreless innings in the eighth and ninth innings respectively, closing out the Padres' ninth straight victory.
San Diego will try and continue their winning ways as they head out on the road for a three game set in Phoenix against the Diamondbacks and then another three game set in Denver against the Colorado Rockies.
The Padres will have Chad Gaudin (1-3, 4.18) in game one against Arizona on Monday, Kevin Correia (1-2, 4.53) in game two and Jake Peavy (4-5, 3.48) will close out the three game set in Phoenix on Wednesday before the team has an off day on Thursday before heading to Denver.
Padres-Cubs: Geer Stifles Cubs, Padres Win Eighth Straight
If I had told you a few weeks ago that the Padres would win eight straight after going through a 4-18 slump, there's not a single person that would have believed me. But that's exactly what they've done.
Josh Geer pitched a strong six and two third innings on Saturday night, giving up just one run and striking out a career high seven batters, as the Padres won their eighth straight in a 3-1 win over the Cubs.
When Chicago jumped out early on a solo home run from first baseman Derek Lee to lead off the second inning, it looked like the Cubs were going to show their strength, but Geer would settle down and shut down the Cubs through the next five and a third innings.
If you want an amazing stat through this eight game win streak, and this should absolutely show why strong pitching beats a strong offense. The San Diego Padres, as a team, are hitting .198, their starters have a collective 2.22 ERA and their bullpen you ask, well they're just shutting everyone down to the tune of a 0.34 ERA (tip of the cap to Corey Brock of MLB.com for those stats).
Even though the Padres, as a team, aren't hitting above the Mendoza line during this streak, they're getting the timely hits when they need them. That's exactly what happened on Saturday night against the Cubs.
In the fourth, with two on and two out, Brian Giles hit a shot just inside the left field line, scoring Edgar Gonzalez and Scott Hairston to put San Diego ahead, 2-1.
The score would stay that way until the seventh inning when Chris Burke would add an insurance run with an RBI single to center, scoring Nick Hundley and giving San Diego a 3-1 lead.
Things would get dicey in the top half of the ninth. With Heath Bell unavailable, Padres' manager Bud Black turned to Edward Mujica to close out the game and get his first save of the season. Right off the bat, he would give up back-to-back singles to former Padre Milton Bradley and first baseman Derek Lee.
With runners on the corners and noone out, it looked like the Cubs could be set for a ninth inning rally but Mujica got outfielder Micah Hoffpauir to hit a grounder right at Adrian Gonzalez who looked Bradley back to third and throw out Lee at second base for the all important double play. Mujica would then get Giovany Soto to strike out to end the game and push San Diego's win streak to eight games.
It was the Padres' bullpen that again came up strong after Geer's big outing. Greg Burke, Luke Gregerson and Edward Mujica combined for two and a third scoreless innings giving up just two hits and striking out three to close out the game. They've been a huge factor for this team and have been nothing short of dominant since the shakeup almost a few weeks ago.
The Padres will go for their ninth straight win, something they haven't done since 2006 as they finish out their three game set against the Cubs on Sunday afternoon. The Padres ran up nine straight from April 30th - May 8th, 2006, their ninth straight win coming as part of a four game sweep of, and this may just be a little irony, the Chicago Cubs. The Padres have the right guy on the hill to continue the streak, 6'10" right hander Chris Young (3-2, 5.07), the Cubs will have left hander Ted Lilly (5-3, 3.35) who beat the Padres at Wrigley Field on May 13th.
Josh Geer pitched a strong six and two third innings on Saturday night, giving up just one run and striking out a career high seven batters, as the Padres won their eighth straight in a 3-1 win over the Cubs.
When Chicago jumped out early on a solo home run from first baseman Derek Lee to lead off the second inning, it looked like the Cubs were going to show their strength, but Geer would settle down and shut down the Cubs through the next five and a third innings.
If you want an amazing stat through this eight game win streak, and this should absolutely show why strong pitching beats a strong offense. The San Diego Padres, as a team, are hitting .198, their starters have a collective 2.22 ERA and their bullpen you ask, well they're just shutting everyone down to the tune of a 0.34 ERA (tip of the cap to Corey Brock of MLB.com for those stats).
Even though the Padres, as a team, aren't hitting above the Mendoza line during this streak, they're getting the timely hits when they need them. That's exactly what happened on Saturday night against the Cubs.
In the fourth, with two on and two out, Brian Giles hit a shot just inside the left field line, scoring Edgar Gonzalez and Scott Hairston to put San Diego ahead, 2-1.
The score would stay that way until the seventh inning when Chris Burke would add an insurance run with an RBI single to center, scoring Nick Hundley and giving San Diego a 3-1 lead.
Things would get dicey in the top half of the ninth. With Heath Bell unavailable, Padres' manager Bud Black turned to Edward Mujica to close out the game and get his first save of the season. Right off the bat, he would give up back-to-back singles to former Padre Milton Bradley and first baseman Derek Lee.
With runners on the corners and noone out, it looked like the Cubs could be set for a ninth inning rally but Mujica got outfielder Micah Hoffpauir to hit a grounder right at Adrian Gonzalez who looked Bradley back to third and throw out Lee at second base for the all important double play. Mujica would then get Giovany Soto to strike out to end the game and push San Diego's win streak to eight games.
It was the Padres' bullpen that again came up strong after Geer's big outing. Greg Burke, Luke Gregerson and Edward Mujica combined for two and a third scoreless innings giving up just two hits and striking out three to close out the game. They've been a huge factor for this team and have been nothing short of dominant since the shakeup almost a few weeks ago.
The Padres will go for their ninth straight win, something they haven't done since 2006 as they finish out their three game set against the Cubs on Sunday afternoon. The Padres ran up nine straight from April 30th - May 8th, 2006, their ninth straight win coming as part of a four game sweep of, and this may just be a little irony, the Chicago Cubs. The Padres have the right guy on the hill to continue the streak, 6'10" right hander Chris Young (3-2, 5.07), the Cubs will have left hander Ted Lilly (5-3, 3.35) who beat the Padres at Wrigley Field on May 13th.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Padres-Cubs: Padres Win Seventh Straight Behind Peavy's Dominance
Jake Peavy came out with something to prove, to show why the Padres should keep him, why they can win with him at the helm as a leader.
If General Manager Kevin Towers' eyes weren't open before, they were after the dominant peformance by the Padres' ace against the Cubs on Friday night. Peavy gave up just two hits and struck out 10 through six innings of work and got strong pitching from the bullpen as the Padres won their seventh straight, shutting out the Cubs, 4-0.
Ever since Towers shook up the team and their bullpen, the Padres have been untouchable. With sweeps of the Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants and now a shutout victory over the strong Chicago Cubs' offense, this team looks like the team that came out of the gates with a 9-3 start.
They're getting strong pitching from Jake, Chris Young, Kevin Correia and they're getting shutdown pitching from Luke Gregerson, Greg Burke, Edward Mujica and most of all, Heath Bell who closed out the game for his 12th save in as many chances, lowering his ERA 0.49 as he would get the final out in the ninth.
But, let's not just talk about the Padres' pitching, they've also been getting it done offensively. Tony Gwynn Jr, making his first start for the Padres, picked up a double and scored twice. First baseman Adrian Gonzalez picked up his Major League leading 16th home run with a towering shot to left in the seventh inning off Cubs' reliever Neil Cotts.
There was a scary moment in the very first inning. After Gwynn doubled to lead off the game, second baseman David Eckstein squared around to bunt and was hit square in the chest by a Carlos Zambrano fastball. Eckstein remained on the ground for a few minutes before getting up under his own power and, like only Eck can do, stayed in the game as he walked down to first base. He would later be taken out of the game to be checked on by team trainers.
I will say one thing about that moment, if you watch the video of it, had the pitch been another few inches higher and it would have caught Eckstein right in the face. You can't say that the Zambrano was purposely throwing at Eck, but the pitch was way too far inside.
The Padres and Cubs will play the second of their three game set on Saturday night from Petco Park. The Padres will have Josh Geer (0-1, 5.61) on the hill while the Cubs will counter with Randy Wells (0-0, 0.00) who will make just his third start this season, getting only no decisions in his previous two outings.
If General Manager Kevin Towers' eyes weren't open before, they were after the dominant peformance by the Padres' ace against the Cubs on Friday night. Peavy gave up just two hits and struck out 10 through six innings of work and got strong pitching from the bullpen as the Padres won their seventh straight, shutting out the Cubs, 4-0.
Ever since Towers shook up the team and their bullpen, the Padres have been untouchable. With sweeps of the Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants and now a shutout victory over the strong Chicago Cubs' offense, this team looks like the team that came out of the gates with a 9-3 start.
They're getting strong pitching from Jake, Chris Young, Kevin Correia and they're getting shutdown pitching from Luke Gregerson, Greg Burke, Edward Mujica and most of all, Heath Bell who closed out the game for his 12th save in as many chances, lowering his ERA 0.49 as he would get the final out in the ninth.
But, let's not just talk about the Padres' pitching, they've also been getting it done offensively. Tony Gwynn Jr, making his first start for the Padres, picked up a double and scored twice. First baseman Adrian Gonzalez picked up his Major League leading 16th home run with a towering shot to left in the seventh inning off Cubs' reliever Neil Cotts.
There was a scary moment in the very first inning. After Gwynn doubled to lead off the game, second baseman David Eckstein squared around to bunt and was hit square in the chest by a Carlos Zambrano fastball. Eckstein remained on the ground for a few minutes before getting up under his own power and, like only Eck can do, stayed in the game as he walked down to first base. He would later be taken out of the game to be checked on by team trainers.
I will say one thing about that moment, if you watch the video of it, had the pitch been another few inches higher and it would have caught Eckstein right in the face. You can't say that the Zambrano was purposely throwing at Eck, but the pitch was way too far inside.
The Padres and Cubs will play the second of their three game set on Saturday night from Petco Park. The Padres will have Josh Geer (0-1, 5.61) on the hill while the Cubs will counter with Randy Wells (0-0, 0.00) who will make just his third start this season, getting only no decisions in his previous two outings.
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