Padres Can’t Sweep, But Claim Series

Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Game 1 W, 3-2

The Padres got the series off with a bang on Friday with an extra-inning, walk-off win. Rene Rivera got the scoring started for the Padres in the first, driving in fellow catcher Yasmani Grandal with a sacrifice fly. Hanley Ramirez responded with a run-scoring double in the 3^rd to tie the game, but the Padres responded once again with an RBI single by Alexi Amarista in the 4^th. The score remained a 2-1 Padres lead until the 8^th when Ramirez unloaded on a pitch into the Western Metal Supply Company building, tying the game at 2-2.

The Padres pitched very well. Andrew Cashner had a Cashner-like outing, striking out 8 in 6 innings and only allowing one run. With the exception of Dale Thayer allowing Ramirez’s game-tying home run, the bullpen was lights out for the rest of the game. The bullpen pitched 6 innings, striking out 7 and only allowing that one run.

The game got into the 12^th inning still a 2-2 tie. The Padres eventually loaded the bases with one out, but thanks to an extreme shift that cut down the run at home on a Seth Smith ground ball. It didn’t matter however, as Yasmani Grandal shot one between the first and second baseman for the walk-off, 3-2 win.