An early deficit, errors, and an inability to score baserunners cost the Padres the game yesterday as the Diamondbacks shut them out 5-0. The first inning was very tough to watch. Five of the first six Arizona batters got hits, Nick Hundley comitted two errors, and the DIamondbacks scored four runs to open the game. Against Arizona starter Josh Collmenter, the Padres were unable to hit the ball with runners in scoring position and stranded a total of nine runners. The upsides: Logan Forsythe had a good night at the plate (collecting two hits and being robbed of a third) as well as on the field. This was only our second shutout since July 10th.
Tonight we will try to prevent the Dbacks from getting their fifth straight. Aaron Harang takes the mound for San Diego. He has gone 3-0 in his last four starts. And although he has a higher ERA away from Petco Park, Harang is undefeated on the road this season.
The Padres offense have a good opportunity to find their bats again tonight with Joe Saunders on the hill for Arizona. He has lost his last three decisions and sports a 7.00 ERA. Hopefully the Padres can take advantage of his slump, as well as redeem themselves after losing a near-complete-game-shutout to him back in July. Before coming out to Arizona, the Padres had been hitting the ball well and scoring runs when they needed to. They just need to get back into a groove and remember how to hit and take advantage of runners in scoring position.
Here's hoping our boys can wake up their bats and come out victorious tonight!
GO FRIARS!! KEEP THE FAITH!!