San Diego Padres: Week #13 recap

Recapping all the action from yet another 3-3 week for the San Diego Padres, from the encouraging series victory over Atlanta to the tough series against the Dodgers.

In a series versus the Atlanta Braves, the San Diego Padres saw the return of their sorely missed centerfielder, Manny Margot. Batting in the first or second spot since making the team out of spring training, Margot has been a catalyst and consistent producer during his rookie season.

Coming back off the DL, he made an immediate mark and brought fire back to a lineup that has been missing both him and fellow spark plug Yangervis Solarte.

The Friars won 2 out of 3 of those games against the Braves, largely due to Margot’s bat and speed. The other stand out in the Atlanta series was rookie right hander Dinelson Lamet, who continues to impress with his fastball and slider that dominate the opposition when he is locating well.

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His 7 innings pitched with 4 hits and no runs while racking up 8 K’s was really fun to watch. Margot helped out with this effort by going  3 for 4 with a double, HR and 2 RBI.

Then the Dodgers came to town.

Losing 2 of 3 to the Dodgers, the Padres appeared over matched in the first two games. Although Margot continued to hit, the other Pads couldn’t generate much for the first two games and the pitchers for those games were over matched as well with Clayton Richard only making it through 4.1 IP allowing 9 hits and 7 runs. The result of the spot start for Dillon Overton was to be expected, with 4.2 IP allowing 9 hits and 4 runs.

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Jhoulys Chacin salvaged the last game of the series, though not pitching with his best stuff. He struggled through 5 high stress innings but only allowed 4 hits and no runs in an admirable effort. Hunter Renfroe had the first 4 hit game of his career and Margot continued to shine with 2 hits and 2 RBI.

Second baseman Carlos Asuaje  had good production during the week and improved his average to .281 while playing a solid second base and providing stability after the Padres lost Solarte to the disabled list.

Next: Week #13 power rankings update

Their overall week record of 3-3 keeps the Padres above the surging Giants by 2 games with two away series remaining before the All Star break. Three versus the Cleveland Indians and then three more against the Phillies.