Padres’ Bats Come Alive, But Friars Fall

Apr 8, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera (2) hits a lead-off double during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time all season, the Padres had double digit hits and multiple contributors offensively. Yes the Padres lost 8-6 to the Indians, but as Padres fans, we always have to look at the bright side of things. The offensive breakthrough may have been due to Cleveland’s incompetent pitching or erratic fielding, but the Padres actually showed signs of life at the plate. Everth Cabrera had 3 doubles, Yasmani Grandal had 4 hits, a double and RBI, Nady hit a late-inning dinger, and Jedd Gyorko came through in the clutch, making it a 3-2 game in the 4th with a 2-run double and another RBI later. Four Padres had a multi-hit game Tuesday. For only the second time all year, the Padres had more than one extra base hit.

Tyson Ross struggled, walking 5 and surrendering a HR to David Murphy and throwing 2 wild pitches. That certainly did not help. If the Padres can find a way to awaken the bats like today and pitch well consistently on the same day, the Padres will be in good shape. This loss was discouraging, yes. But no one can ignore the offensive breakthrough San Diego had today. If anything, it will give Padres hitters confidence going forward.