Ross Takes Down Tigers For Pads First Series Win

Apr 8, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Tyson Ross (38) pitches during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

On military opening day at Petco Park Sunday, the San Diego Padres chased last year’s American League Cy Young award Max Scherzer after only five innings. It was the club’s first season series victory of the 2014 campaign and the team’s third win in its last four games. Tyson Ross pitched seven strong innings while striking out seven and helping himself out with an RBI single in the fourth.

Normally a team that struggles during interleague play, the Padres got homeruns from both Jedd Gyorko and Xavier Nady, but it was a timely two-run double in the fourth inning by Will Venable that sealed the 5-1 victory.

During the series, the Padres outscored the high potent Tigers offense 13-7 holding last year’s American League MVP Miguel Cabrera to one hit and RBI over the three games. Struggling with men in scoring position coming into the series, the Padres got timely hits from both Chase Headley and Gyorko.

With the exception of Saturday night loss against ace Justin Verlander, the Padres got strong pitching performances from Andrew Cashner on Friday and Ross on Sunday utilizing the team’s biggest strength. In his second season with the club, Ross solidified his role as the club’s middle man in the rotation and makes him an enormous weapon in the middle of the rotation.

On deck for Monday, the National League West rival Colorado Rockies come to town for a three game set with left hander Eric Stults taking the mound against Jordon Lyles