Quentin Clutch Again, Padres Claim Finale

May 25, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres

(18) hits an RBI pinch hit single during the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Carlos Quentin seems comfortable in his role as a pinch-hitter. For the second time in as many games, Quentin came through with a go-ahead pinch-hit single in the 6th against the Chicago Cubs Sunday afternoon. Jedd Gyorko added a 2-run double to extend the lead to 4-1.

The Padres held on to win the game 4-3 after Huston Street surrendered a 2-run home run to Starlin Castro, but he eventually closed the deal and earning his 14th save of the season, which is tied for 4th best in the National League.

 Ian Kennedy (3-6, 3.59 ERA) finally earned his 3rd win of the season after four unsuccessful tries. He struck out six in 6  innings marking his first victory at home this season.

Besides Street’s little hiccup, the bullpen was stellar closing out the game. Troy Patton made his Padres’ debut walking the only batter he faced.

The Padres also had an interesting day on the base paths. Will Venable finally stole his first base of the year swiping 2nd after getting hit by a Jason Hammel pitch. Yonder Alonso also stole his 4th of season, but Cameron Maybin was picked off first ending a potential rally in the 5th inning.

It was a 0-0 game until the 6th when Cubs Junior Lake launched a home run over the left field wall that barely missed the glove of the leaping Seth Smith.

The Padres finally got to Hammel in the 6th inning after shutting down the Padres’ for five innings. They quickly responded to Lake’s homer with 4 runs of their own. “Those back-to-back hits by Q and Jedd turned out to be the game” Bud Black said after the game to MLB.com’s Will Laws. 

The Padres are now 23-28 and sit in 4th place 9.5 games back of the division leading Giants. The Padres showed signs of life at the plate once again. It was encouraging to see the team respond after giving up a go-ahead home run. Though they split the series, the Padres have a lot of good things to build on heading into Arizona on Monday.