Padres’ Ethan Salas, Yuki Matsui turn Giants sweep into postseason audition

Craig Stammen spent part of September 13 praising the Giants’ young players for competing like dudes fighting to stay in the majors. The Padres should have recognized the look. Several players on their side were fighting for something, too. Some are trying to secure postseason roster spots. Others are auditioning for larger postseason responsibilities. Either way, San Diego’s 6-4 victory became their game to finish.

The Padres completed their sweep without the three relievers Stammen trusts most at the back of his bullpen. Bradgley Rodriguez, Adrian Morejón and Mason Miller had each pitched on consecutive days and at least five times over the previous nine. They were all unavailable. Nick Pivetta, making only his second start after a layoff of nearly four months, reached his limit after four innings and 69 pitches. So the Padres had to find a way to get 15 outs.

Padres’ postseason hopefuls delivered when the usual stars couldn’t

Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill supplied all six RBIs, which is exactly what the Padres need from the expensive end of their roster. Even more work happened around them.

Samad Taylor singled, stole second and scored in the second inning. Ethan Salas tripled for his first major league hit and scored his first run. After spending most of September trying to justify his place in the lineup, Salas finally gave the Padres something tangible.

The bullpen’s afternoon carried the same theme. Kyle Hart and David Morgan helped move the game into the sixth. Wandy Peralta entered with two runners aboard and retired four consecutive hitters. Randy Vásquez walked two batters in the eighth and still escaped without allowing a run. Then Yuki Matsui entered.

Matsui led Japan in saves three times before joining the Padres, although the Friars have rarely asked him to handle the ninth inning. On Sunday, with Miller, Morejón and Rodriguez resting, that old closer experience entered to shut the door. Matsui survived a 10-pitch battle with Jonah Cox to record his first save of the season.

To be fair, this wasn’t a bullpen masterclass. Hart allowed a run. Morgan let an inherited runner score. Vásquez flirted with trouble, and Matsui allowed the potential tying run to reach the plate. Still, they got the job done.

Postseason games rarely unfold according to a clean pitching chart. Starters are likely going to leave early. Relievers may sometimes be down. Somebody from the roster’s quieter end inherits a season-changing out.

One game will not finalize Stammen’s postseason roster. But it did give him fresh data. Taylor’s speed played. Salas’ bat finally had a chance to produce. And Matsui closed it out. 

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