Hahn Shines As the Padres’ Beat The Reds

Jun 30, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Jesse Hahn (45) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds during the second inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Padres’ 24-year old rookie starter Jesse Hahn (4-1, 1.95 ERA) continues to shine and make a name for himself  in the rotation as he shut down the hot hitting Cincinnati Reds tonight in the 1-0 Padres’ victory in the first game of the three-game series between the two teams.

Hahn was superb, striking out nine Reds over five innings while giving up three hits and two walks. His curveball kept Reds’ hitters swinging off balance while striking out five of the last six batters he faced before being pulled after 97 pitches.

In addition to the Hahn and the Padres’ bullpen, the defense helped keep the game close. After Reds’ speedster rookie open the game with a single to right field, he was thrown out by catcher Yasmani Grandal on a bang-bang play at second base. Following a Hahn walk to Todd Frazier, centerfielder Cameron Maybin made a sliding catch off the bat of Joey Votto and made a spectacular throw to first to double-up Frazier to end the inning.

The Reds’ would threaten again in the seventh when catcher Devin Mesoraco sent a one-double to left-centerfield, but he was stranded at third base after Carlos Quentin sliding catch saved the tying run.

The Padres’ offense was non-existent once again tonight against Mat Latos, who held his former team to one hit over seven innings. However, the Padres’ did not need the hit as they managed to score the games only run on sacrifice fly by Everth Cabrera in the fifth. First baseman Tommy Medica led off the fifth inning with a walk and stole second on a close play. After tagging up from second on Maybin’s long fly to center, Medica scored easily on Cabrera’s flyball.

The bullpen held the Reds’ in check after the fifth, and closer Huston Street came into the ninth inning to record his 22nd save of the year in 22 opportunities.

The Padres’ and Reds’ will battle it out again tomorrow night in the second game of the series when Ian Kennedy (5-9, 4.01 ERA) takes on Mike Leake (6-6, 3.41 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 Pm PDT.