Framing the Friars: Not Much to See in Padres 6-2 Loss
Phoenix, Arizona
This was another game to forget. The Padres lost 6-2 to the Diamondbacks as Clayton Richard got roughed up a bit and the bullpen couldn’t toss up a zero behind him.
Meanwhile, if you’re a Padres fan, the most interesting part of the game took part in the top of the first inning.
The Padres put two men on with two out and up came Franchy Cordero. Franchy was the hero and anti-hero of the game two nights ago when he hit a 489-foot home run while also misplaying a fly ball into a double and hurting Tyson Ross’ chance at a no-hitter.
The whole pre-game had been focused on the nature of Franchy’s bipolar game, but mostly on how explosive a player he is. In other words, all the hype since the game two nights ago had been on Franchy. Up he stepped in tonight’s game with two on, two out, and a potential to make a difference, right out of the gate in the first inning.
He stepped up and stroked a wayward changeup 410 feet off the center field wall for a two-run double, easy as pie. Impressive. After listening to the hype machine for 24 hours, the young kid got into the box and picked up right where he left off. Not easy to do. Like I say, impressive.
There wasn’t much in the rest of the game.
Kirby Yates made a nice appearance after being on the DL for 10 days. San Diego’s bats were again quiet – aside from Franchy’s two-run double – as they have been for much of the year. San Diego’s pitching isn’t good enough to cover for an anemic offense. Strangely, after returning for his first game action on Friday night after a lengthy stint on the DL, Wil Myers sat this one out, allegedly for a scheduled day off. No matter the reason, the Padres missed his bat in this one.
The Pads turn to Joey Lucchesi in Game 3 of the series vs. the Diamondbacks. The young hurler has quickly become the potential ace of the current staff, but that would be getting ahead of ourselves in terms of a designation. Either way, it’s good Joey is back out on the mound today, as it gives the team the best chance at a series victory.
I was at the Kirby/Gomez “no hitter” Curse game. I was at the Holy Roller game. Though I love the man and what he did for the Padres, I cried when they retired Steve Garvey’s number. By my estimation I witnessed in person, watched on tv or listened on the radio to over 3,000 of Tony’s 3,141 hits. Jerry Coleman’s initials aren’t J.C. for no reason.