Padres use big inning and then some, blank Rockies 21-0
Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
The San Diego Padres scored eight runs in a big inning, the fourth inning, and shut out the Rockies 21-0. The Padres scored in each of the first six innings and added a run in the eighth.
Every player in the starting lineup recorded a hit and recorded 15 hits as a team in the first four innings. The Padres scored five runs in the first inning, highlighted by a 436-foot two-run homer by Gavin Sheets. It was his fifth of the year.
San Diego scored at least one run in each of the first six innings. Jackson Merrill started things with an RBI single that scored Fernando Tatis, Jr. Then, Machado scored from third base on a wild pitch. Jake Cronenworth followed with an RBI-fielder’s choice.
Luis Arraez hit an RBI single to center in the second inning. In the third, Jake Cronenworth hit a solo home run. It was his third of the year and first since returning from the Injured List. San Diego led 7-0 after three innings.
The fourth inning was the big inning for San Diego. They sent 12 batters to the plate, scoring seven runs. Jason Heyward hit an opposite-field three-run shot to chase Rockies starter Bradley Blalock out of the game. Blalock allowed 12 runs on 13 hits in 3.2 innings.
Juan Mejia became the new pitcher for the Rockies in the fourth with two outs. Despite the pitching change, the Padres continued pouring it on. Arraez drove in two runs with an RBI-triple to make the score 14-0. Machado added an RBI single to give the Padres a 15-0 lead.
Stephen Kolek, on the other hand, didn’t struggle against the Rockies lineup. He went the distance, allowing just five hits while striking out six. He hasn’t allowed an earned run in two starts this season.
Padres manager Mike Schildt pulled some of his starters after the fifth inning. Tyler Wade drove in a run in the sixth inning to push the lead to 20-0. Wade replaced Machado at third base.
Sheets added an RBI-double in the eighth that scored Cronenworth to make the score 21-0.
The Padres will try to sweep the Rockies on Mother’s Day on May 11. A win would give San Diego its second straight sweep against Colorado. The first pitch is scheduled to begin at 12:10 p.m. PDT.
Mike is the sports editor for the Fayette Advertiser, and has been with East Village Times since 2015. His work has appeared on Bleacher Report. He is an avid Padres fan who is keeping the faith and trusting the process.