Last night gave us our fifth win in the last six games. We did it by scoring early and taking advantage of opportunities. Not only were we able to get guys on base, we were able to capitalize on some errors in the third and fourth innings and score just enough runs for the win. Mat Latos didn't have his sharpest stuff, but he kept the game close when he was in and was backed up by a good defensive performance. He also helped himself on the offensive side with a double and a run scored. Chase Headley kept his hot streak going and raised his season average to .300 and Ryan Ludwick hit his team-leading 10th home run of the season.
In the second game of the series, Padres will send Clayton Richard to the mound to try to get consecutive wins for the first time this season. In his last outing he snapped a personal five-game losing streak against the Red Sox in a game that lasted 5 1/2 hours due to multiple rain delays. He will count on our defense to stay sharp behind him and our offense to continue hitting the ball well and give him some run support.
Kansas City starter Felipe Paulino will try to get the Royals their first ever win at Petco Park. He is also looking to get his first win as a starter for the Royals after going 0-4 in Colorado to start the season and 0-1 in five starts since joining the Royals. He has faced San Diego once as a relief pitcher (this season) and has started against San Diego once in his career. In those two appearances, he is 0-1 with a 2.08 ERA.
I'm finally getting to the ballpark tonight. I'll do my best to will our Padres to a win.
GO FRIARS!! KEEP THE FAITH!!
6/28 v. KC, #Padres: Venable 9 Bartlett 6 Headley 5 Ludwick 7 Rizzo 3 Hudson 4 Maybin 8 Phillips 2 Richard 1