San Diego Padres halt skid as Chris Paddack flirts with no-hitter

The San Diego Padres ended their losing streak on Wednesday, defeating the Miami Marlins 3-2 in a game that featured Chris Paddack and a no-hitter bid.

The San Diego Padres had a much-needed win against the Miami Marlins, firing on all cylinders as a team. It was a fun night for the Friars as they finally snapped their four-game losing streak, with Chris Paddack falling just short of a no-hitter.

The top third of the lineup was solid on Wednesday. Eric Hosmer had a bounce back game, going 2-for-4 with a double, a single, and a walk in his outing. He also made a fantastic play at first base after dropping a line drive, tagging out Miguel Rojas as he slid to first base. Manny Machado also stayed hot, going 2-for-3 with two singles and walk of his own.

Meanwhile, Fernando Tatis Jr. really struggled for the first time this season. The rookie went 0-for-5 with four strikeouts in an unusual slump for the rookie. He was also responsible for a throwing error that, at the time, ended the possibility of a perfect game for the Padres, followed by a second throwing error in the ninth.

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In addition, Greg Garcia continued to prove that he’s the de facto starting second baseman. Garcia had an RBI single to start the game’s scoring, ending the night 2-for-4.

The offense still left some plays on the bases though. They went 1-for-8 with RISP and left eight runners on base.

On the mound, the Padres finally got what they needed in the pitching department when Chris Paddack took the rubber. He had a remarkable outing, going 7.2 strong innings with eight strikeouts and a walk.

The rookie was flirting with a no-hitter into the eighth inning until he gave up a solo home run to Starlin Castro, the only hit he allowed. He went on to force a line-out and a strikeout to end his night.

After a difficult May and an even rougher June, Paddack crosses the middle of July with a 2.70 ERA and 0.867 WHIP on the year. Hopefully the rookie was humbled after getting rocked by the Philadelphia Phillies back in June, sending him down to Double-A Amarillo. He’s been merciless ever since — in 24.1 innings pitched, he’s given up only four runs, struck out 23 batters, and allowed six walks.

Paddack looked comfortable all evening, showing control and command while maintaining his cool. He not only has the makings of throwing the Padres first no-hittter, but also becoming the team’s future ace.

The Friars couldn’t win without some drama, though. Kirby Yates entered the ninth and got no help from his teammates. Garcia made a throwing error to Hosmer that kept Rojas safe at first, while Tatis Jr. accompanied him with his second error of the night to allow runners at first and second.

Yates kept his cool though and followed up with two strikeouts, a run, and a third strikeout to end the evening. He now has 31 saves on the season.

The series is up for grabs as the Padres and Marlins face off in Game 3. The rubber match begins on Thursday at 9:10 AM PT/12:10 PM ET.

For complete coverage of the San Diego Padres’ 2019 season, be sure to visit Friars on Base all season long.