SD 1, ARI 2: Cashner goes 7 innings strong, Bats stay hushed

Considering the start of this series, which involved a fuzzy-to-remember blowout loss, this series could have ended a lot worse. It also could have ended a lot better. After back-to-back wins against the Dbacks, one in extras, the Padres were looking to close out the 4-gamer on a high note. Instead, it was split and the Friars will get a day off to gear up for a tough homestand.

Lots of scoreless innings ran the pace of the game today. Andrew Cashner, coming off a 4-run 6-inning appearance against the Giants, kept things under control against the Diamondbacks for 7 strong innings. He struck out six and gave up only 4 hits, and unfortunately two of those hits happened to be solo home runs from Aaron Hill and A.J. Pollock. Cash was relieved by Dale Thayer, Frank Garces, and Brandon Maurer who all kept things within reach for the Pads, but the bats never came around.

The bats in the lineup were mixed around a little, as Matt Kemp took his first day off since opening day. Kemp, along with Oakland's Marcus Semien were the only two starters who hadn't missed a game in the last 32. Wil Myers was knocked down to the 3 spot, with Cory Spangenberg leading off, and Abraham Almonte filling in the 2 spot. The only run in this 2-1 game came from a two out rally RBI double from Jedd Gyorko, after Will Venable got on base with a single and stole his way to second.

Justin Upton, Venable, and Gyorko all had two hits a piece, with Austin Hedges and Cashner each getting a hit. Everybody else, including a pinch hitting Kemp, Derek Norris, and Will Middlebrooks went hitless. The team was 2 for 7 with runners in scoring position, and left 9 fellow Friars stranded on base.

So the series is split, and the Pads are still sitting uncomfortably close to the Giants in these early standings. At this point San Francisco is like that shirtless dude who gets on the bus, who you know is only going to be on for like one stop, and out of all the open seats decides to plop down next to you. Just go away, dude, nobody wants you here.

SD Hat Guy was very talkative this Mother's Day baseball Sunday. Darklighter got more recs than total runs scored this game.