Offense flexes its muscle as Padres win third straight
Credit: AP Photo
The San Diego Padres’ offense erupted early against the Colorado Rockies, cruising to a 14-5 win.
The San Diego Padres’ offense gave Mike Clevinger the perfect welcoming gift for his debut start at Petco Park — a grand tour of ‘Slam Diego.’
Spotting the Rockies three runs in the first inning thanks to a Nolan Arenado home run, Clevinger looked to his offense to pick him up. He didn’t have to wait long for that to happen, as the Padres answered with five runs excitingly in the bottom half of the frame.
After scoring a run on three walks and a hit batsman, San Diego chased Rockies starter, Chi Chi Gonzalez, out of the game with the bases still loaded. Wil Myers then took an outside fastball into the right-field seats for his second grand slam of the season, giving the Padres the lead for good.
Baseball’s most prolific run-scoring club went on to match their first inning total thanks to a two-run double by Manny Machado and a three-run home run by designated hitter Austin Nola — his seventh.
Myers added a second home run in the seventh inning, giving him two for the night to go along with three hits and five RBI. The outfielder pushed his average to .297 and on-base percentage to .366 while reaching double digits (11) in home runs.
Clevinger settled down after getting the run support, hitting his spots and consistently sitting between 95-97 MPH with his fastball. In all, Clevinger struck out eight and walked one, allowing four earned runs in five innings. The Padres and Clevinger have plenty to be positive about as the right-hander seems to be fitting nicely into the team’s rotation.
Interviewed before the game, manager Jayce Tingler said of Clevinger, “It’s hard to believe he wasn’t born and raised in San Diego, isn’t it?”
Hard to argue with that.
Episode VII: The Slam Awakens#SlamDiego #FriarFaithful pic.twitter.com/CZGsua8JTd
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) September 9, 2020
The bullpen allowed one run in four innings pitched, keeping the Colorado offense at bay in the lopsided affair.
The Padres now sit ten games over .500 at 27-17, having won four of their last five and seven of their last ten. Whether it be a 1-0 pitcher’s duel like last night’s dramatic win or a 14-5 offense-heavy win, the Padres continue to show that they can prevail with any style necessary.
Zach Davies will take the hill for the Padres Wednesday night as they look to sweep the Rockies to start the homestand.
Kevin is a San Diego Native covering the San Diego Padres and their affiliates