SD 5, ATL 6: Offense shows up, Lead gets spoiled

The Padres lineup was putting together quite an offensive production. After the intense comeback victory against the Braves yesterday, today's script was flipped. A quick 50-minute rain delay pushed the first pitch back a little, but the game started off great for the good guys.

The sweetness started in the 2nd when Clint Barmes lined a sharp RBI-double to knock Cory Spangenberg in. The following inning saw Will Venable's 5th home run of the season, a solo shot to right field. Following in the 5th, Yonder Alonso hit an RBI-single to give the Friars a nice 3-0 seat for James Shields to continue doing his work.The sixth inning featured Wenable sailing an RBI-double over the head of the Barves, and then a follow-up RBI-double from Derek Norris. San Diego was up 5-0 in the 6th and sitting pretty.

Then, things got ugly.On a 5-1 lead, Shields conceded a bases-loaded bases-clearing double. Another double would score Freddie Freeman after he was called out at the plate, but would end up being challenged and ultimately overturned. Now, with a 5-4 lead, Jonny Gomes would pop off a single and "score" Andrelton Simmons in a play at the plate.

Pro tip: If a catcher gives you a lane to slide all up and down, and you're about to be out by a lot, just shoot your knee right into his ribs. This way, at least you're giving yourself a shot at making it in safely. You can count on the big brains reviewing the collision in New York to give you a chance by missing it by a mile on the replay.

Since the Posey Rule only applies to Buster Posey, the Barves tied the game. A few solid plate appearances attempted to put the Friars back in the game, but a Joey Terdoslavich would hit his season's first home run off Joaquin Benoit, and the Padres would be unable to make up for it.

Shields went 5.1 innings today, giving up 4 earned runs on 7 hits. He struck out six and only walked one. Despite the dumpster fire inning in the 6th, his undefeated record will hold as Benoit earns the loss and takes one for the team.

Venable was a triple short of the cycle, going 3-for-5 with 2 RBI's. Norris, Justin Upton, Yonder Alonso, and Cory Spangenberg all had multiple hit games. Matt Kemp being the only Padre without a hit of his own.

The series is now tied 1-1, and Tyson Ross gets the opportunity tomorrow to guarantee a series split and deliver some chin music at the same time.

jthunder93 put his mouth where his money is, and Darklighter and I shared the rec glory.