Bats and Bullpen Sputter, Padres Lose Series

Jul 9, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headly (7) hits a single during the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Padres (40-51) lost the series in Denver to the Rockies (39-53) after winning Game 1, 6-1. The bats and the pitching took turns faltering in the final two games, resulting in two losses. Tyson Ross pitched well enough to win, but he got no support. In Wednesday’s finale, Joaquin Benoit had a rare hiccup, allowing 3 runs in the 8th as the Padres lost 6-3.

As a team, the Padres hit .284, which may be the best team average in a series loss this year. The real story was hitting with runners in scoring position. In the two losses, the Padres were 0-for-15 with runners in scoring position. Any team will lose with those numbers. The Padres blew many chances, especially in the 2-1 loss on Tuesday. Chase Headley had his second 4-hit game within a week and had 5 hits total in the series. Seth Smith continues to torture his old team, collecting 3 hits including a double and his team-leading 10th home run in the series. Also, we have to recognize Jake Goebbert getting his first major league home run on Wednesday.

The pitching was more hit and miss (pardon the pun) than usual. Ian Kennedy pitched well in the opener, notching his 7th win of the year while striking out 9. Eric Stults surrendered 3 home runs on Wednesday before Benoit allowed the game to get away from the Friars.

The All-Star duo of Charlie Blackmon and Troy Tulowitzki were just too much. These two combined for 8 hits, 4 of them home runs, in the 3 games. The Padres blew a lot of opportunities to take this series. They left too many on base and no one could get that big hit, or that big out when they needed it most. The Padres now only have a 1.5 game lead on the Rockies for 3rd place. It doesn’t get any easier as the pitching staff will now have to deal with the Dodgers stacked lineup for the next four games.