Maybin, Padres Salvage Series Split With Nationals

June 8, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Cameron Maybin (24) during the game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

It didn’t take long for Padres’ outfielder Cameron Maybin to make his presence felt in the lineup. In his first at-bats in almost a year, Maybin went 2-for-4 with a single, a double, and a run scored as he helped the Padres finish the weekend with a split of their 4-game set with the Washington Nationals. Ian Kennedy continues to pitch well, allowing one earned run over 7 frames, while striking out 9. It’s his third quality start in his last three outings.

Along with the return of Maybin, Chris Denorfia added some much-needed pop to the offense on Sunday, going 2-for-3, with a pair of RBI and a pair of walks. After scoring a first inning run against Kennedy, the Nats’ offense was kept quiet for the remainder of the day, getting a second run in the eighth against Joaquin Benoit. Huston Street came on in the ninth to slam the door for his ninth save of the season.

The Padres began their scoring on the day in the fourth inning with a walk by Denorfia, followed by a double by Yasmani Grandal, and then a sac fly by Jedd Gyorko. They took the lead for good the following inning when the Nationals starter, Taylor Jordan suffered an injury and had to be relieved by Ross Detweiler. Denorfia again struck with an RBI single that drove in Everth Cabrera.

From that point forward, the Padres were in complete control, adding their final runs in the sixth inning after Detweiler had been replaced by Aaron Barrett. Three consecutive singles loaded the bases, and Cabrera drew a bases-loaded, four-pitch walk for the third run of the ball game. Denorfia drew a walk to score Maybin, and after a Grandal strikeout ended the inning, the Pads were up 4-1.

The second and final run for the Nats came on a Nate McClouth home run, his first of the year, but then Benoit settled down to retire the remaining hitters of the inning.

The Padres return to action Monday night in San Francisco as they take on the Giants. Tyson Ross (2-3, 3.16) takes on Madison Bumgarner (2-2, 3.14) at 7:15 p.m. PST.