Quantrill, Padres snake-bitten in Arizona with a 14-7 loss
Credit: AP Photo
Chase Field- Phoenix, Arizona
At times this season, Cal Quantrill has looked like a top-of-the-order pitcher the San Diego Padres need.
Then there have been times when he looks like a major league rookie.
On Monday, the right-handed pitcher had trouble with Arizona as he allowed eight earned runs in five innings of work. Quantrill left a few pitches down the middle and was knocked around for six earned runs in the D-backs’ second inning. A two-run homer by Ketel Marte was a big factor. “I just wasn’t good enough. I did not give my team an opportunity to win,” Quantrill said after the game. He promises- “I will be better.”
In relief of Quantrill, the Padres called on Javy Guerra to make his major league debut.
The right-handed pitcher struck out the first batter he faced, featuring a 98 mph fastball. Things looked well for Guerra, but he was then tagged for three straight homers. The converted shortstop could not make it out of the 6th inning as he allowed four earned runs on five hits while only recording two outs — a very tough start to his major league career as a pitcher.
San Diego received another homer off the bat of Ty France. The rookie is proving that his Triple-A numbers were no fluke. France has now hit three homers in two games and seems to have settled in as the Padres second base option for the remaining year. He could have an excellent month for San Diego.
Offensively, the team was led by France, who went 2-for-5 with three RBIs. He has his OPS up to .690 now in his rookie season. Eric Hosmer went 2-for-3 with a double as his average is up to .288 on the year. San Diego recorded 11 hits in the game, but the pitching could not contain the D-backs in a 14-7 loss.
The Padres will look to regroup on Tuesday. Ronald Bolanos will make his major league debut it what will probably be a bullpen day. 6:40 game.
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.