The San Diego Padres turned back the clock, making a signature comeback that they haven’t in quite some time. The Friars were down 4-1 against the Washington Nationals heading into the eighth inning. They were issued three consecutive walks before Manny Machado tied the game with a two-run single. Then, Luis Campusano hit a bloop single to right field for the winning run. Adrian Morejon nailed down the save immediately after, slamming the door on the Nats.
They’ll go for the sweep this afternoon for the first
time since they did so against the Minnesota Twins over two weeks ago. Despite that, the Arizona Diamondbacks remain a half game ahead of the Friars. San Diego will need to keep their momentum going in order to best the division rivals.
Taking the mound
Jackson Kent (WAS) v. Walker Buehler (SD)
Kent has made five starts this season for Washington. It’s his first season in the big leagues, to poor results. Kent owns a 5.55 ERA through 24 1/3 innings pitched. That being said, his last 12 innings have been good, surrendering just four runs.
His biggest problem has been command. Kent has yet to walk less than three batters in a game, walking a total of 19 in five starts. Those command struggles have led to massive run prevention issues. If the Padres can stay patient in the box, they’ll have plenty of opportunities to get runners on base.
Buehler has been one of the best pitchers for the Padres this season. His stat line wouldn’t tell you it (4.56 ERA, 1.34 WHIP), but he’s been the most valuable pitcher on San Diego’s staff behind Michael King. It is reflected in the stat line from his last seven games. In Buehler’s last 36 1/3 innings, he owns a 2.97 ERA.
The veteran righty has revitalized his game down the stretch. Buehler had a tough blip in the middle of the season, but has rebounded in a big way. If Buehler can continue that successful streak, it’ll mean one more weapon for the San Diego starting rotation.
Batter up!
The offense was incredibly quiet for the first half of Game 2, but they made use of their biggest opportunity. After receiving three consecutive walks to lead off the eighth inning, the Padres scratched a run across with a sacrifice fly before Machado tied the game. They’ll need to continue that level of situational hitting in order to make the playoffs.
- Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
- Jake Cronenworth, 2B
- Manny Machado, 3B
- Ty France, 1B
- Jackson Merrill, CF
- Luis Campusano, C
- Dustin Harris, LF
- Xander Bogaerts, SS
- Ethan Salas, DH
Salas is likely to be in the lineup today after Freddy Fermin started yesterday’s game. He’s yet to record his first hit, but reached base in the series opener for the first time in his young career. If he can contribute anything to the Padres during their stretch run, it will be a huge help for the Friars.
Relief corps
The bullpen locked it down, for the most part, with Randy Vásquez, Yuki Matsui, David Morgan and Adrian Morejon combining to pitch 3 1/3 innings of one-run ball. That said, Vásquez gave up a crucial double upon entering the game, but those runs were charged to Mize.
The Friars have options for the series finale today, with Griffin Canning, Kyle Hart, Mason Miller, Wandy Peralta and Bradgley Rodriguez available for this afternoon. San Diego has a wealth of arms, along with an off day on Thursday. That should give them enough arms to pitch a win versus Washington.
