The Sheriff returns to form in series opening win

It you make the unfortunate mistake of going on social media you’d probably assume that Chris Paddack has a 5+ ERA. You may think he’s a #4 starter at best. You may think the rookie that’s 8-7 with a 3.69 ERA is just a flash in the pan.

Well, he’s here to tell you he doesn’t care and you can take your negatively somewhere else.

Paddack threw 7 innings of 1 run ball Thursday night. He struck out 8. Other than a Brandon Belt solo bomb, he was finishing hitters with 2 strikes. That’s something he’s struggled with lately.

Both Manuel Margot and Austin Hedges hit 2 run shots off of Dereck Rodriguez to give Paddack a cushion. Rodriguez gave up 5 ER in 5 innings.

Andres Munoz gave up a run in the 9th but was still able to collect his 1st career save. Kirby Yates was slated for a rest day as he’s worked a lot in the last week.

It’s unclear if Paddack will continue to pitch through September, but it’s certainly a great way to finish what has been a challenging August.

Dinelson Lamet returns to the mound looking to bounce back from his loss against the Red Sox last weekend. He’ll face veteran Madison Bumgarner.