Padres Game Recap – May 5, 2015

Not what was expected tonight in any way as the Padres fell to the Giants for a second night in a row, this time by the score of 6-0. Cashner versus Vogelsong seemed like a safe bet for the Friars. Cash coming off one of his sharpest outings of the season a 7 inning, 2 earned run effort against the Astros. Vogelsong on the other hand coming off back to back roughies allowing 6 homeruns in his last 9 innings of work. Top that off with the Giants number three hitter in their lineup, Pagan, getting scratched at the last minute before the first pitch, and everything seemed poised for a Pads victory to even the series.

Yep, everything looked set for a post game celebration. There’s always one caveat, however, hovering in the background of every MLB contest, and that of course being that this is baseball, and nothing but nothing is a sure bet, and that’s why you play the game.  That constant variable reared its ugly head tonight with a vengeance as Vogelsong mowed, while Cash struggled and the postgame celebration music ended up blasting in the Giants clubhouse instead of the Pads’.

The first damage off Cashner came in the second, starting with a lead off double and walk to set the stage. That was followed by a run scoring single and a slow roller ground out that couldn’t be turned for two plating another run to give S.F. a 2-0 lead.  But hey, only 2 runs, still early, the recently struggling Vogelsong on the mound…no problem.

Then the back breaker came the next inning. After retiring the first two batters Cash yielded a single and a walk, followed by another single to left field that scored the runner from second. Upton tried to get the runner at home but ended up airmailing the ball over Norris’ head, and with Cash backing up third instead of home the runners easily advanced to second and third. That would become relevant as the next batter hit a sharp one hopper to Solarte at first, but the ball went under his glove on the back hand attempt for an error and both runners ended up scoring…game, set, match.

Now having a 5-run lead to work with Vogelsong simply did what he does, working back and forth with FB’s up, CB’s down, cutters to both sides of the plate, basically whatever pitch it took at any time to keep the Pads off balance and guessing all night. The Friars best and really last chance to get into the game came in the 6^th.  With one out Spangenberg reached on a single, and Solarte walked to set the table for the meat of the order, but Kemp flew out, and with the bases loaded after a walk to Upton, Norris grounded out to end the threat.

It was a game that reminded everyone that nothing is predictable in this game. No matter what the lineups are, no matter who’s on the mound, no matter who’s been hot or who’s not, it can all mean very little once the umpire yells “Play ball!” because at that point that’s what you have to do, and the past guarantees you nothing –  may the best man win.

Tomorrow Ian Kennedy will look to salvage the final game of the set for the Friars. First pitch is at 12:45, I can’t wait for you to join Uncle Teddy and myself for the action on the Mighty 1090.

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