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Padres News: Padre Bats Wake Up in Giant’s Series Finale

By Nick Wilson

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The story this game was the debut of coveted San Diego Padres catching prospect, Austin Hedges.  The rookie caught a great game behind the plate, and delivered in a clutch situations offensively to pick up two RBIs.

Ian Kennedy calmed this pitching staff down and threw seven full innings of one run ball. He had command of the San Francisco Giants‘ lineup the entire night, forcing plenty of quick ground outs and reaching back for a strikeout when he needed it.

The Padre offense performed the way fans now expect to see this season, putting up a total of 9 runs in 9 innings.

1st Inning

The Padres came away from the inning empty handed, but it was good to see them string together some early hits.  Wil Myers woke up the Padres bats with a lead-off rip to left field.  Cory Spangenberg got the start at third base today, and made the most of it, by quickly smacking a ground ball single to right field.  With the Padres looking dangerous early, starting Giants pitcher Chris Heston was able to settle down and force Yonder Alonso into an inning ending double play.

Ian Kennedy came out of the gate with spectacular location.  Throughout the first two innings he was able to keep runners off the bases with a minimal pitch count.

3rd Inning

Matt Kemp hit a long drive to center field.  The speedy Cory Spangenberg was able to easily score from first base off of the long drive.  After a walk to Justin Upton, the remainder of the lineup came alive.  Hits by Yonder Alonso, Jedd Gyroko, Alexi Amarista, and newcomer Austin Hedges gave the Padres an early 5-0 lead.

The Giants were able to get one run back in the bottom of the inning.  A successful sacrifice bunt by Heston put Matt Duffy in scoring position.  Nori Aoki knocked him home with a single to center field.  Austin Hedges got a chance to show off his defensive skills by throwing out Aoki as he rounded first base on the throw to home.

4th Inning

The Padres looked dangerous again in the 4th.  Heston drilled Spangenberg in the back after a swinging bunt.  However, he was called out for running too far inside the base path.  Gyorko was unable to convert in a two RBI situation after a double by Yonder Alonso.

The Giants again threatened in the 4th.  Brandon Belt began his big night with a double to put runners on 2nd and 3rd with one out.  Ian Kennedy dealt with the threat by forcing a pop out and strikeout to end the inning.

6th Inning

Brandon Belt sent a long drive into deep right-center field.  With the funny bounce, he was able to easily take 3rd base for a triple.  Again, Kennedy took care of business and struck out Brandon Crawford to end the inning.

7th Inning

Kennedy got into the action offensively as well.  After a two out single, he was able to score after a triple from Wil Myers.

8th Inning

The top of the 8th was a great sign for the Padre offense.  Jedd Gyorko was able to come up with a clutch double to drive in Justin Upton.  After a fielder’s choice RBI from Amarista, rookie Austin Hedges showed his bat control by smacking a sacrifice fly to center field.  A win and two RBIs for the rookie, not a bad first day!

Brandon Maurer came into relieve Ian Kennedy, quickly retiring the side.

9th Inning

Frank Garces, recently recalled from AAA, came in to get some work in the bottom of the 9th.  He held the Giants scoreless for a final score of 9-1 Padres.

Notes

  • Cory Spangenberg reached base four times on Wednesday.  Raising his batting average from .242 to .289.
  • Slugger Justin Upton was held hit less on Wednesday, but reached base safely with 4 walks.
  • The Padres will face the Arizona Diamondback tomorrow evening at 6:40PM PT.  Odrisamer Despaigne (2-0, 2.95 ERA) will take Brandon Morrow’s spot in the rotation to face Rubby De La Rosa (2-2 5.40 ERA)

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