Padres Recap: Padres Hang On to Beat Reds 2-1

Ian Kennedy worked around 6 walks and pitched 5 innings allowing only 1 run to improve to 7-10 on the season. Justin Upton once again provided the only offense for the Padres with his 20th homer of the season in the 4th inning and the bullpen shut things down the rest of the way for the victory.

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With the win the Padres ended their six game losing streak that might’ve been the final straw to break the playoff camel’s back. Even with the win and Dodgers loss they sit 9.5 games behind the division leader and 10.5 behind the second wild card berth which currently belongs to Chicago.

It was an interesting game to note considering that there was widespread speculation that both Kennedy and Upton would no longer be Padres at this time of the year with both of them impending free agents. It could also be easily said that Upton has done much more to help his future paycheck than Kennedy on the season.

Another interesting note to the game is that it was Shawn Kelley – not Brandon Maurer – who got the 7th inning nod in this one and was very impressive, striking out the side after a single by Brandon Phillips. The moment was not lost however on interim manager Pat Murphy, who noted to Corey Brock, “…The outing Kelley had and the job he did striking out the side after Phillips, who put an experienced swing on a tough pitch, got a base hit. Then three punchouts for Kelley, that’s really impressive to pick us up with [Brandon] Maurer not in his best form.”

Justin Upton has shown how he can carry a team this season and of his 20 home runs on the season, 15 have been at Petco Park. The Padres are hopeful they can re-sign the slugger but he will likely be out of their price range as they take on the full contract of Matt Kemp next season. Unless of course, James Shields contract comes off the books as Preller is reportedly trying to accomplish at the same time.

The Padres top pitching prospect Colin Rea makes his major league debut tonight at Petco Park in game 2 of the series with the Reds.

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