Padres vs Nationals Game Recap: Mark Kotsay Double Wins It

After Jason Werth’s solo home run barely cleared the left field wall, things didn’t look good for the Padres.  Edwin Jackson was pitching lights out, and when the offense did runners in scoring position, they couldn’t bring them home.  Luckily, Edinson Volquez pitched a solid game, and the Padres held the Nationals to just one run long enough to keep the Padres in the game.

In the bottom of the eighth, Orlando Hudson walked, then Cameron Maybin laid down a bunt hit.  The Padres sent their veteran, Mark Kotsay, to the plate as a pinch-hitter.  The Padres lead the National League in pinch-hitting batting average, and Kotsay once again delivered.  He drove a high fastball deep into the right center field gap.  Hudson and Maybin scored easily and the Padres took the lead.

Huston Street came in to close things in the ninth, just his second save opportunity in the first 20 games this season.  He made quick work of the Nationals and helped the Pads to their sixth win this season.

Edinson Volquez tossed seven strong innings, allowed just three hits, and gave up only the solo home run to Jason Werth.  Edwin Jackson matched him every step of the way for the Nationals.  He pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowed six hits, and didn’t allow a run.

Yonder Alonso continued his hot hitting with two doubles in the game.  He now has four doubles in his last two games and has raised his average to .234.  He now has seven doubles on the year.

San Diego will travel to San Francisco tonight to take on the Giants.  The Padres will send Cory Luebke to the mound to take on Erik Hacker at 7:15 PT.

For all your Padres news and discussions follow us on Twitter @ChickenFriars, follow me on Twitter@the5_5Hole, and like our Facebook page.