Padres make history in dramatic comeback win

On June 14th the Padres went head to head against the Colorado Rockies for game two of their four game series. Coming into this game the Padres had dropped 7 of their last ten games, and they were in desperate need of some good news.

Cal Quantrill got the start and things were touch and go for a while as the Rockies scored 4 runs off their 6 hits with Quantrill on the mound. Although he was not as efficient as we would have liked, Andy Green must have been pleased to have a starting pitcher throw more than just 3 innings. Quantrill was pulled after 5 innings of work throwing 93 pitches, 59 for strikes. Even with those numbers, Miguel Diaz took over in the 6th with only a one run deficit. As the Padres did everything in their power to stay in the game, Diaz was in for a rough outing. Diaz struggled to get just two outs as he saw all 9 players in the Rockies lineup giving up 5 runs in his 0.2 inning performance. After 32 pitches and only 19 of them strikes, Andy Green had finally seen enough. Looking to the bullpen once again, Matt Wisler got the Padres out of the 6th inning. Unfortunately, the bullpen continued to give up runs and the Padres went into the top of the 9th down 11-5.

Despite the Rockies being one step ahead of the Friars all night, the Padres never gave up hope. With their backs against the wall, and only the true Padres fans still watching the game, the stars aligned as San Diego put together a 6-run game tying rally that jolted some life back into the organization. It all started with a leadoff single by Fernando Tatis Jr., and 4 runs later the bases were all loaded up with 2 outs and none other than Tatis Jr. back at the plate. It is easy to forget Tatis Jr. is a 20-year-old rookie the way he maintains his composure and carries himself on the field. Even most veterans are picturing the fireworks in their head as they swing for the fences in that type of situation, but Tatis Jr. knew what his team needed and did just that. Slapping a line drive single out to center field Tatis Jr. drove home Wil Myers and Ian Kinsler to tie the game at 11-11.

Extra innings brought more highlights for the Padres as Tatis Jr. led off the top of the top of the 12th with a triple. Austin Allen came in as a pinch hitter and hit an RBI double bringing in Tatis Jr. to give the Padres a lead for the first time since the 2nd inning. However, the Padres were not done yet, with the need of some insurance runs, Machado drove in Allen with yet another double. Then with one out in the inning, Hunter Renfroe stepped into the batter’s box and for the third time tonight sent one into the bleachers. His three-homer night sets him comfortably on top as team leader with 21 homeruns so far this season. The Padres went to the bottom of the 12th up 16-11 and once again the game was up to the struggling Padres bullpen. Luckily Green had the trusty Kirby Yates up his sleeve and Colorado was only able to tack on one more run, as the Padres took the 16-12 win after 12 innings of play.

While every game matters at this level, some wins feel a little bit better than others. Tonight’s win was one of those games. After everything this team has been through over the last 10 games, being able to fight their way back from a seemingly hopeless situation and snatch a win from a very good-looking Rockies team is exactly what San Diego needed to get back on track.

Final Score: Padres 16-12