Padres Game Recap – Oct. 4, 2015

The Padres lost to the Dodgers 6-3 this afternoon, thus putting a merciful end to the 2015 season.  An hour later the Padres announced that they were also putting an end to the interim managerial career of Pat Murphy, adding that a search for a new manager would begin immediately.

The Dodgers took an early lead on 2-run home run by Joc Pederson in the 2nd off spot starter Frank Garces.  Rzepczynski and Norris followed with a combined three innings of scoreless work to keep the score 2-0 heading into the 6th.

So what was going on with the Pads offense that they couldn’t get on the board?  Clayton Kershaw, that’s what.  The lefty was getting an abbreviated 4 inning tune up in before the playoffs started. Along with getting in approximately 50 pitches of work he was also on a quest to record a minimum of 6 strikeouts to reach the coveted 300 mark for the season.  He accomplished both in dominant fashion recording six of the first nine outs via the punch out, the 300th coming at the expense of Upton, Jr. before leaving the game with 60 pitches under his belt.

In the 6th the Doyers added on to their lead thanks again to the long ball, this time on a solo shot by Seager which was later followed by a 2-run johnson off the bat of pinch hitter Heisey. 6-0 L.A.

The Friars finally broke through against the Dodger bullpen with Travis Jankowski getting a hold of an inside fastball and driving it over the right field wall to score himself as well as Hedges and Amarista both of whom had reached via singles earlier to get the Pads to within 6-3.  Upton later doubled in the inning to try to get the rally going again, but he was stranded and that was it for the run production for the game and the season.

Shortly after the final out was recorded A.J. Preller announced that an immediate search would begin for a new manager and that interim manager Pat Murphy would not return in that same capacity.  There was little surprise in this decision, and it is expected that Murphy will join the MLB staff of Craig Counsel with the Brewers.  As for the Padres search there’s already been quite a list of speculative candidates being thrown around baseball circles. Some of the rumored names include Ron Gardenhire, Jason Varitek, Sandy Alomar Jr., Phil Nevin, Dave Roberts, Mark Kotsay, Mark Loretta, Ron Washington, Joey Cora…and others so feel free to add on to the list.

With other teams also about to announce the sacking of their skippers it will be interesting to see both who else becomes available as possible candidates to take over in S.D., as well as how quickly the team will feel compelled to lock in on someone lest they lose out in the managerial feeding frenzy that is likely ensue shortly.

Along with the managerial decision could additionally be decisions regarding the coaching staff.  A harder working staff you won’t find, but with disappointing seasons often come sacrificial beheadings.  Having spent everyday of the season with this staff the past four years watching them give their all to bring out the best in their players, any changes will be hard to swallow… but changes are the harsh reality for those of us who are in the game so we are always cognizant of the potential for change.

So, stay tuned Padres fans.  Plenty of news to come this off season with announcements on a manager, players, and who knows what else.

Thanks for checking in on these Game Recaps during the season.  I hope they were of some informational and occasionally entertainment value to you.  Because of my fluid situation with regards to my association with the Padres moving forward I can’t tell you for sure what content I will be posting here during the off season, but I am inclined to expound on ball here in some manner as I enjoy the interaction and exchanges with you baseball fans.  Hope you feel the same!

Enjoy the off season, and look forward to sharing the playoffs, hot stove, and spring training count down with you as always!

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