San Diego Padres Shutout The Chicago White Sox

In yesterday’s Cactus League action, the San Diego Padres defeated the Chicago White Sox 2-0. Four Padres’ pitchers combined for a five-hit shutout.

I know, we can’t take a lot of stock into one pitching performance, however, yesterday was fun to watch. Clayton Richard, Joey Lucchesi, Brad Hand, and Kazuhisa Makita combined for a shutout victory over the White Sox, improving the San Diego Padres record to 8-6-2 (for those who care about the record part).

Richard was stretched out for the first time this spring, giving up two hits and no runs over four innings. He may have walked two hitters while striking out just one, however, he looked much better. Richard induced three ground ball double plays on the day. In fact, he recorded eight ground ball outs in total compared to no fly ball outs.

Like it or not Friar faithful, but AJ Cassavell did the math and here’s what he found.

The star of the show yesterday was LHP Joey Lucchesi. He has been masterful this spring, pitching seven scoreless frames in his limited action. On Friday, Lucchesi went three innings, gave up just one hit, walked one, and struck out four.

I believe Tyson Ross deserves the fifth spot in the rotation, for now. Of all the Hot Talent Lava flowing through San Diego, Lucchesi is the most major league ready. I’m not just saying that because I selfishly want to watch that beautiful delivery every five days.

Here’s Adam McInturff’s (former scout, now with 2080 ball who you all should follow on social media) thoughts on Lucchesi while watching him pitch yesterday.

Lefties in the NL West beware!

Again, here’s highlights of Kazuhisa Makita from yesterday’s one inning, two strikeout performance. You MUST at least skip to the 40 second mark and watch his curveball from behind the plate. He offers no hints to opposing hitters that it’s coming and then…56 mph curveball that leaves you dumbfounded.

The Padres’ offense produced just two runs on six hits, but it was enough. Two of those hits came off back-to-back home runs in the third inning.

If you happened to miss it, the dingers didn’t come from Franchy Cordero, Jose Pirela, or Austin Hedges, all of whom were in the lineup. Nope, it was Corey Spangenberg and Matt Szczur.

https://twitter.com/Padres/status/972220372723486720

Next: Franchy Cordero Is The Real Deal

The Friars return to action today at noon against the Cleveland Indians. You can watch on Fox Sports San Diego or MLB.TV. LHP Eric Lauer will get the start for San Diego.