Padres 8, Nationals 3: Homers reign at Petco Park

Tyson Ross got tonight's game started in the best way possible by striking out Nationals leadoff man Denard Span. And then he twiddled his thumbs for two hours as Petco Park saw it's sixth ever delayed game (five rain delays, one bee delay). That kind of break can mess with a pitcher mentally and physically, but Tyson was unfazed. When he returned to the mound after the tarp came off, he retired the next five batters on his way to a 2-run 5-inning start, his best home appearance of the season.

The offense must have gotten some inspiration from the weather, as they poured on the hits the first chance they got. Four of their 13 hits and 3 of their 8 runs came in the first inning. Matt Kemp and Justin Upton had back-to-back two-out singles to set up Derek Norris. Norris jumped on a meaty pitch from Doug Fister, sending it sailing over the fence in left center field. He wasn't the only Padre to catch the home run bug tonight. Cory Spangenberg had his first home run of the season, a solo shot that easily cleared the Jack Deck in the bottom of the second. He also had his second home run of the year, going the other way in the fourth to cap off a big night for Padre bats.

The excellence went all the way to the bullpen, showing just how great this team can be when they fire on all cylinders. After Ross left the game, Dale Thayer, Kevin Quackenbush, and Brandon Maurer combined to allow just one run on a hit and a walk in in their four innings of work. All in all, a great night for the Friars.

If the weather cooperates, Odrisamer Despaigne will take the mound at 7:10 PM tomorrow night.