Thirteen is an unlucky number. Just ask Tim Hudson, who was finally defeated by the Padres in his thirteenth career start against them. He actually threw a really good game, allowing just 5 hits in 7.1 innings while striking out 7. But his opposition was equally good: Andrew Cashner went a career best 8 innings, allowing 6 hits and striking out 5.
Things started off a bit rocky as Andrelton Simmons led off the game with a single and then moved to second on a wild pitch. He came around to score on Freddie Freeman's single. Chase Headley wasn't prepared to lose to Hudson yet again, so with two outs, he dropped his 6th home run of the year right in the Jack Daniel's Deck. Two out magic was actually the key to the Padres offense tonight. They picked up another run when Kyle Blanks scored on Nick Hundley's two out double in the 2nd inning. Everth Cabrera and Carlos Quentin flipped that script in the 3rd when Cabrera led off with a double and Quentin hit a two out single.
Things looked a bit dicey in the 6th when the Braves picked up a pair of singles to put runners on the corners with no outs. Freeman had already knocked in one run and was looking to pick up a couple more RBIs. Instead, he grounded into a double play, scoring Jason Heyward, but killing the Braves' best rally of the night. Cashner went on to toss a perfect 7th and 8th before being pulled. Joe Thatcher and Luke Gregerson combined to strike out the side in the ninth and celebration ensued.
Edinson Volquez toes the rubber opposite Paul Maholm in tomorrow's finale. I highly recommend getting down to the ballpark at 12:40 PM to hear the sweet tunes of Bobby Cressey on the organ.