Late rally falls short in Padres’ 3-1 loss to Dodgers
Credit: AP Photo
The San Diego Padres loaded the bases in the ninth inning but were unable to take advantage, falling 3-1 to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Petco Park- San Diego, California
In a pitcher’s duel, runs are valuable. Timely hits are needed for a team to secure a win. When the dust settled on Tuesday night, the San Diego Padres failed to get that timely hit when they needed it, suffering a 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Tony Gonsolin and Zach Davies went deep into the game, but the Dodgers’ starter had the better stuff. Gonsolin allowed one run in seven innings of work, striking out two on the night without walking a batter.
“He has been tough on the entire league,” San Diego manager Jayce Tingler said of Gonsolin after the game.
The first-year skipper also praised the pitcher’s repertoire and the athleticism the young hurler showed on the mound.
As for Davies, he allowed three earned runs in six innings pitched. The changeup specialist struck out five in the game while allowing eight hits.
“I thought he threw the ball well,” Tingler said of his own starter. “They had some balls that fell in. He made a mistake to Rios, and he put a good swing on it.”
The 27-year-old right-hander’s ERA climbed to 2.69 on the season, and his record fell to 7-3 after taking the loss. Despite the defeat, Davies is enjoying an impressive first season in Padres brown.
Justin Turner, fresh off a hamstring injury, was significant for LA as he went 3-for-4 on the night and knocked in the first run of the game in the first inning. Though Turner still looks hobbled from his injury, he remains a dangerous hitter while in the box. Turner’s effort was complemented by a home run from Edwin Rios in the fifth inning, his fourth of the year for the Dodgers. Rio’s blast made the score to 3-1 in favor of Los Angeles.
This 2020 Padres team never seems to quit. They rallied in the ninth inning against Kenley Jansen, who has nine career blown saves against the Padres. A one-out hit by Manny Machado started the rally, and the team was able to load the bases against the staggered closer behind a base hit from Mitch Moreland and a walk to Austin Nola.
“We loaded it up there in the 9th and had a chance,” Tingler said about his team’s late-game effort.
The young manager did not seem flustered after the game as he spoke about that fact to the local media. There is a new focus on this team that was not there before. They understand you cannot win every game. That may be the case, but the Padres will fight till the end.
“We don’t give up,” Tingler added. “We keep going.”
With a sold-out crowd, noise might have been a massive factor in this game for San Diego. But COVID-19 has robbed teams of any home-field advantage, and the veteran closer was able to calm his nerves. Jansen struck out Wil Myers on three pitches and made short work of Jake Cronenworth with two outs. The failed rally created excitement, but the team was unable to get that timely hit.
For the Padres, the fact the team rallied and installed some minor fear into the Dodgers is a positive takeaway. San Diego is attempting to unseat the champions, and it is important to show confidence and not get intimidated.
The two teams will play Wednesday afternoon again at 1:00 pm. The Padres will send Adrian Morejon to the mound, and he will be opposed by Dustin May. This final game of the three-game set will decide who takes this essential series.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.