SD 2, CHC 3: Upton Funk can't lift Friar funk

The Friars were looking to get some sort of winning streak going, some sort of groove, and launch themselves back into the .500+ team we're all hyping them to be. With injuries poking their ugly heads out early in the season and a shaky defense, the Pads had a good shot with Ross & Co.

Tyson Ross was looking to keep some consistency with his last three starts, pitching a combination of 18 innings and giving up only 6 earned runs. Tonight he lasted a full 7, giving up 3 earned runs but striking out 8. His conceded runs were the result of two sacrifices (ground out, fly) and an RBI-triple.

Another night with a lineup missing a crucial Wil Myers and Yonder Alonso relied heavily on the Abraham Almonte leadoff strat. Abe was the bunting hero of last night went 0-for-5 with four strikeouts, one of them on a ball in the dirt to end the game. Matt Kemp joined him at 0-for-4 with 3 strikeouts, and Jedd Gyorko went 0-for-3 with a walk.

The only offensive bursts of tonight were from Justin Upton on a two-run HR smashed to center field. Derek Norris went 1-for-2 with two walks, Yangervis Solarte went 1-for-3 with a walk as well, and Will Middlebrooks had a great night going 2-for-4 with a leadoff double in the fifth. All of this wasn't enough to handle the anti-clutchness of the Gyorko GDP's and the Kemp K's with RISP.

By the way, that's Upton's 11th HR of the season, and 9th at home.

Oh well. GG. Win the series tomorrow.

jodes led the GLB'babies discussion pack while also rounding up the most recs. Great job!!!