Padres Game Summary March 6: KC-7, PADS-4

Once again the Padres found themselves trying to play catch-up early, this time against the Royals, and again it proved to be be too much to overcome as they dropped their third consecutive game to start Cactus League play.

Tim Stauffer started the game by allowing singles on a bunt and a blooper, setting up a sac fly for the first run.  After those first two soft hits he retired his next 6 batters looking fine.  Robbie Erlin followed, allowing 2 runs on a couple of hits and an error in his first frame, and although his pinpoint control was not there today, he did a nice job of not completely falling apart with the bases loaded and kept the damage limited.  Juan Pablo Oramas followed Erlin with a clean first inning, but elevated the ball during his second frame and paid the price allowing a 3-run HR. Jose Depaula, and Mile Mikolas were both effective in their scoreless innings of work, with Mikolas touching 97 MPH.

The offense showed signs of life in the 4th, pushing across 2 runs on singles by Kyle Blanks, Jeremy Hermida, Yosmani Grandall, and Everth Cabrera, and a sac-fly by James Darnell.  Darnell also had two hits today, as did Kyle Blanks, and Everth Cabrera.  However, there were several opportunities to do further damage that were ended by four double plays on the day.  Rymer Lirirano made an excellent diving catch in foul territory down the right field line late in the game (with his speed and arm right field may be his ultimate landing spot at PETCO), and Edinson Rincon had another nice at bat today, and so far for me has been the most eye opening of the young rookies in camp.

The defense has been suspect thus far with 7 errors committed in the first 3 games. Granted, the majority of them have been made by younger players, but it’s still something the team needs to tighten up.

Padres will try to notch their first W of the spring tomorrow in a split squad effort, at home against the Rangers and Yu Darvish, and on the road against the Reds.  On the pitching chart for the home matchup are Jeff Suppan, Joe wieland, Huston Street, Luke Gregerson, Joe Thatcher, Alex Hinshaw and Nick Vincent, while Cory Luebke, Casey Kelly, Andrew Cashner, Erik Hamren, Dale Thayer, Cory Burns, and Matt Palmer will travel to Goodyear Park.

Hopefully Pads can sweep!

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