Astros 7, Padres 2: Friars suffer first sweep in bullpen collapse

Ouch. There's not a whole lot more you can say about today's game. Andrew Cashner was dealing today, striking out six Astros in a row to start the game on his way to a 10-K, 7-inning performance where he allowed only two earned runs. Houston starter Dallas Keuchel was even better, though, holding the Padres to one run on 3 hits in 8 innings. But hey, Cash set a record that requires some weird cherry-picking, so that's something, right?

Andrew Cashner (@a_cash34) has now gone 21 consecutive starts at home allowing 2 or fewer earned runs, a new #MLB record. #Padres

— Friar Figures (@FriarFigures) April 29, 2015

As little help as Cashner got from his offense, he got even less from the bullpen. Whatever terrible tragedy that has been behind the pen's recent struggles has struck closer Craig Kimbrel, who gave up three runs on two hits and a walk in a third of a brutal ninth inning. Kimbrel, in turn, was let down by catcher Wil Nieves, who had a passed ball and an error in that time. Bud Black and Darren Balsley may need to Bull Durham this team into shape before the Rockies come to town this weekend.

Tomorrow is a much-needed day off. The Padres will be back at work on Friday, with Ian Kennedy throwing the first pitch at 7:10 PM.