SD 2, STL 1: Cashner deals, Gyorkstore back open for business

The San Diego Padres have just won back-to-back games on the road against a first place St. Louis Cardinals team. This comes immediately after dropping two games to a last place Seattle Mariners team, and marks the start of the second-half of the season, and a very good start to a 10-game road trip. They've achieved victory through strong pitching from their starters and bullpen, and some very opportune hitting.

It all started on the mound tonight with Andrew Cashner, who just last Saturday had a great start against the Diamondbacks where he threw 7 full innings giving up only 2 earns runs while striking out 6. Today, he lasted six good innings giving up only 1 run on 3 hits, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts. He escaped a no-out bases-loaded situation in the bottom of the 5th by inciting a double play from Xavier Scruggs, limiting the Cardinals to one run all night. After leaving the game with a baserunner, Brandon Maurer relieved him of duty by getting the following 3 outs in 7 pitches.

Michael Wacha was no pushover today, either. Keeping the Friars to 5 hits over 7 innings of pitching and only allowing the Pads to walk one. One of those five hits was too big for Wacha to handle, though. A left-field 404 ft. monster home run from none other than Jedd Gyorko, allowing San Diego to tie things up with the Cards in the 7th.

'Hey Jedd. Nice swing. Probably mostly luck. Have a seat beside Austin for the next four days'- Bud Black whispers into the Caribbean wind.

— Randy Gyorko (@GooseGyorko) July 4, 2015

The Gyorkstore was having it's grand opening today, and closing hours don't come until the game is over. In the top of the ninth, Yangervis Solarte mashed a ball to split the gap in right center and get him over to third base. The Gyork followed up with a very clutch RBI-single, and the game was decided there. With a hard fought relief effort from Joaquin Benoit and a lights out close from Craig Kimbrel, the Padres split the 4-game series against the Cardinals and start climbing that ladder to a .500 record and inevitable post-season.

And the #Padres have just become the first National League team to win back-to-back games in St. Louis this year.

— jesse agler (@jesseagler) July 4, 2015

After bombarding the Cards with home runs yesterday, and a home run today, the Pads are playing great baseball against arguably the best team in baseball right now. The Friars shoot for a series win in St. Louis tomorrow, with Odrisamer Despaigne matching up against a very-dominate Carlos Martinez. Everybody except Clint Barmes and Cash had a hit today, which is more than most teams can say against a pitcher like Wacha.

Some bonus highlights:

• Matt Kemp doesn't think your assumptions about his range are cute
• Derek Norris is the wrong guy to lean off the base for
• Justin Upton can't stop stealing bases

Friar Fever feels flowery on Friday, and I got the only rec.