SD 2, WSH 4: Lil' Ross shows up Friars in series loss

So comparatively now, Tyson Ross' start yesterday against the Nationals wasn't all that great. Especially when your little brother follows you up with six innings of no earned runs, seven strikeouts, and only one hit allowed. The Padres tried to get some momentum going into the upcoming divisional games that will determine the fate of the NL West, but that all escaped them for the day in a Thursday night defeat.

Andrew Cashner still didn't really have his stuff this time around. After about five innings, he was done, after loading up the bases and pegging Yunel Escobar for a game-tying run. He then allowed an RBI-single up the middle that was cut short at one run after Melvin Upton Jr. gunned down Bryce Harper at the plate. Cash would finish the night early giving up 9 hits, allowing three earned runs and three walks, but striking out a healthy 6.

The quick relief effort from Bud Norris escaped further damage after Cash gave up a solo HR putting the Nats up 3-1. Kevin Quackenbush followed up giving up another home run in the 7th but kept the Nats to an honest 4 by the end of the game. Unfortunately, that was a bit too much for the lineup to handle.

The two Friar runs of the day came from Yangervis Solarte bringing home Cory Spangenberg on a sacrifice fly. Spangy had a good night, reaching third on an error later in the game taking advantage of a misthrow after bunting. He also walked, and was the Pads' second run on a Yonder Alonso RBI-single in the top of the ninth.

Jonathan Papelbon kept things under control, though, and grounded out Upton Jr. to end the game.

Three hits and ten K's for the Friars, and a quick drop further below .500. We get the Phillies next, who just broke 50 wins and are on a three-game losing streak, and currently tied with the Mets on a possible 4-game sweep. It's time for the Pads to pick on an easy target and get a much-needed boost to end the season strong.

Ya boi EBParker ran things today in the game thread.