Hahn Dominates, Padres Offense Explodes In 12-1 Win

Playing the defending National League champions and one of best franchises in sports, the Padres needed to kick things into another gear if they were to knock off the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday. Luckily, Jesse Hahn excelled and the Friar bats came to life, spurring the team to a 12-1 win.

The biggest cog in Wednesday’s offense was the cog that had been missing from the machine for a while. Jedd Gyorko, who recently returned to the big leagues after a short stint in the minors, went 3-5 with four runs batted in and two runs scored. Gyorko’s production from the six spot in the lineup allowed the bottom third to contribute, and the only non-pitcher for the Padres to not record a hit was Yasmani Grandal, who walked twice and scored a run.

San Diego jumped out to an early lead, scoring in the first on a Yangveris Solarte single that scored Alexi Amarista. Amarista scored again in the bottom of the third, scampering home from third on Joe Kelly‘s wild pitch.

In the fourth inning, Gyorko corked a home run to left field and Will Venable singled later in the inning to score Yonder Alonso, who recently returned to San Diego after a short stint in the minors as well.

Hahn pitched superb for the Padres. The 25-year old went seven innings, allowing only one run on four hits while striking out three Cardinals.

His only run allowed was in the seventh inning, and the Padres’ offense immediately responded. Five hits in the inning, including a home run from Venable, paced the Padres to a solid seven run inning, putting the game out of reach.

Alex Torres and Dale Thayer represented the Padre bullpen, each working scoreless innings to close out the victory.