Padres Bats Explode Early in Win Against Dodgers

By Daryll Dorman | Mar 20, 2016

Sep 26, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Robbie Erlin (41) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

The Padres took advantage of a last minute starter for the Dodgers Sunday to score 6 runs in the first two innings alone en route to a 12-5 victory at Camelback Ranch in Arizona. Robbie Erlin allowed just two hits in four scoreless innings for the Padres and the offense unleashed some pent up fury.

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The Dodgers had to call upon Jeremy Kehrt after projected starter Mike Bolsinger was the latest injury in the Dodgers starting pitcher corps. At the top of the order for the Padres were Jon Jay and Corey Spangenberg, who managed to go a combined 7-8 with Jay leading the way at 4-4. He has now reached base safely in 8 consecutive appearances. Save some of those for April Jon.

Robbie Erlin, who made a significant number of starts before a somewhat disappointing 2015 spent mostly in AAA, continues to fight for one of the two final starting rotation starts and would be the only left handed starter for the Padres. Manager Andy Green remembered thinking highly of Erlin from last year when he was the D-backs third base coach:

“He was a guy from last year I remember very well because he had [5 2/3] no-hit innings against Arizona. Those kinds of things stick in your head when you see a guy pitch like that. … He’s got a nice mix [of pitches]. He’s very much in our mix.”

Jon Jay did learn a valuable lesson on the day that the Padres were the first team to learn of a few years ago: watch out for Yasiel Puig‘s arm. He cut down Jay on a one hop throw to third base when he was trying to advance. Of course who can forget his throw in his MLB debut back in 2013:

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Of course there aren’t many Padres left from that team so Puig had to make sure he re-earned that respect. James Shields will get the ball for the Padres Monday night as he tries to bounce back from his last outing where he allowed three home runs in less than three innings. The offense is awaking for the Padres as they continue to trim down their team for Opening Day.

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