Week That Was…Never Supposed to Happen

The Rockies pitching couldn’t stop the revamped Padres offense. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Rockies Recap

Don’t get me wrong, I fully expected to beat up on the Rockies. Yet I have to think that more than just a sweep was going on here in this series. Now, when the Padres dig an early deficit, they actually expect to come back. Expect it! A team that had a stat about scoring 4 runs and winning – which tells as much about how SELDOM they scored 4 runs than much else – now seems to be able to do that at will and as the situation dictates.

Take Monday night for example. They’ve been winning some games, feeling pretty good about themselves. Youngster Jesse Hahn on the mound, who we are used to being so dominating, and he actually gives up some runs. The Rockies Corey Dickerson hammered a homer and the Padres were down 3-2 at the 7th inning stretch. Never fear though, Yangervis Solarte is here! Making fans forget all about Chase Headley, he crushed a homer to left field and gave the Padres that magic 4-run mark. Cue the Emilio Estevez led Mighty Ducks “Quack” chant and enter Kevin Quackenbush after Nick Vincent rescued Hahn, and threw in another inning of shut down relief for good measure. Three straight strikeouts. Enter Joaquin Benoit in the 9th, and he gets 3 more. Seven strikeouts to end the game. Well done.

Tuesday, the defense took over in the 8th inning, with Chris Nelson and Tommy Medica making back-to-back catches where they fell into the stands to make the plays. These are the Padres? The smiles were all around, and continued as the Padres won 5-1.

Wednesday the story was rookie Rymer Liriano‘s monster home run into left field, as this rookie is getting play after the trades, the injuries, and may just be the best option yet for the Padres in right field. It’s an important last two months for Cameron Maybin, after his drug suspension to prove if he can be the everyday center fielder for this club next season.