San Diego Padres Drop Back and Forth Contest to St. Louis Cardinals

Last night’s game was the type of game that you look back on and wonder.  The Padres took two out of three from the Angels in the previous series, had a lead for most of the first game of this Cardinals series, then they blew it.  While the team may not compete, back-to-back series victories could go a long way toward helping the overall psyche of the team.  A victory in the opening game of the series is a good way to start if you want to win the series.

The Padres scored first against the Cardinals in the second inning.  The run was Padres-style

baseball.  Yonder Alonso singled, advanced on a balk to second base, then went to third on a Jesus Guzman groundout.  Nick Hundley then drove Alonso home with a sacrifice fly.

The Padres held their 1-0 lead until the seventh when the Cardinals pushed across two runs.  But San Diego was able to storm back the very next inning.  With runners on first and third and two outs, Jesus Guzman doubled home both runners and put the Padres back on top.

Andrew Cashner couldn’t hold the lead though.  He gave up a two-run home run to Tyler Greene and the Cardinals quickly took the lead back in the bottom of the ninth.  Jason Motte finished out the game, and what should have been a win for the Padres turned to a loss.

Clayton Richard was impressive in his start.  He pitched 7 1/3 innings, gave up seven hits, allowed just two runs, and walked only one batter.  When Richard is pitching at his best, his control is impeccable and his walk counts are exceptionally low.  That’s the type of night Richard had last night.  Unfortunately, the bullpen couldn’t hold the lead for him.

Yonder Alonso once again raised his average to over .300.  He s now batting .301 after a 2 for 3 game including two runs scored.  He leads all National League rookies in almost every offensive category.

Game two of the series will feature Edinson Volquez and Adam Wainwright.  First pitch is at 5:15 PT.

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