In one the better games the Padres have played of late they took the first game of the four game set from the Cardinals in an eleven inning affair 5-3.
Ross was not especially locked in early as he issued two walks and allowed a single, yet through it all yielded only one run. He settled down after that, though, and starting posting zeros.
The Pads didn’t let the early Cards lead last very long as Solarte tied it up in the 2nd with a solo home run, his third of the season. The Friars then took the lead in the fourth thanks to a two base Red Bird error to put Upton at second to start the inning. With two outs Hedges singled him in to post a Father’s 2-1 lead.
In the 5th Ross helped himself with the bat when he hit his first career long ball over the right center field fence to give himself a 2-run cushion. Unfortunately he couldn’t hold that lead. The next inning the pitcher lead off with a double. A single and another double later and the game was tied up 3-3.
The 6th featured no scoring, but it did have an unjust ejection. With two outs Solarte took a check swing that home plate umpire, Bob Davidson, questionably deemed far enough to call him out on a swinging strike three. Solarte was not happy with the call but started walking toward the dugout, and in frustration took his helmet up and flipped it forcefully to the ground. Not a huge transgression nor act of disrespect towards Davidson yet he took umbrage and tossed Yangervis from the game. Obviously I don’t have all the details of what was said from the radio booth high above playing surface, but it sure did appear that Davidson over reacted. Bottom line it removed the Pads third baseman and 5th hitter in their lineup from the ballgame.
For the next four innings it would be zeros posted for both teams. Maurer, Benoit, would go one inning each, and Kelley two. Each had runners on base to deal with, and each made the crucial pitch when he needed to.
Finally in the 11th the Pads would get a break. With two outs Barmes shot a fly ball down the right field line that the right fielder Heyward raced over and attempted snare with a sit slide catch as he approached the retaining wall. It was a great effort but he couldn’t come up with the catch and with arms, legs, glove, and ball all arriving at the chalk line at the same time it was called a foul ball. The Pads challenged it though and upon review it was quickly determined that the ball did indeed hit the chalk line. Clint standing at home plate was told to advance to second, which he did via initially touching first base. Don’t think I’ve ever seen that before.
Venable was then called upon to pinch hit. Normally when a guy comes off the bench to hit he’s looking to jump on the first fastball he can get to. Will surprised everyone by unloading on the first off speed pitch that was sent his way and he crushed it over the right field wall for a two run homer to put the Pads back on top 5-3.
Kimbrel came in for the save and locked it down for the 20th time this season. It was a hard fought win for the Friars that had several reversals and opportunities to fall apart, but they made the play, made the pitch, and got the hit when they needed it.
Cashner will look to make it two in a row tomorrow. Game time is scheduled for 5:15. Can’t wait for you to join Ted Leitner and me for all the action on the Mighty 1090.
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