It has become all too common that the San Diego Padres have seen a starter throw at least five or six innings and allow three runs or fewer and it results in a loss. Coming into the season that would have been the dream scenario for a Padres rotation that is missing Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta. That was before the season began when people were discussing a possible MVP season for Fernando Tatis Jr., a breakout season for Jackson Merrill, a return to form from Manny Machado and a full season of Ramon Laureano. All four have struggled mightily at the plate 50-plus games into the season so it is no surprise that the San Diego offense is near the bottom or last in MLB in almost every offensive category.
This was the case Monday afternoon for Padres starter Griffin Canning. He did his part, pitching 6.2 innings allowing three runs on three hits with three walks and five strikeouts. Unfortunately for San Diego and Canning, two of the three hits the right-hander allowed were home runs and accounted for all three of the runs scored by the Philadelphia Phillies. That was enough offense for the visitors to hand the Padres a 3-0 loss at Petco Park. Canning allowed the first home run to Kyle Schwarber in the top of the first inning which gave the Phillies a 1-0 lead. Philadelphia pushed the score to 3-0 in the top of the seventh when Brandon Marsh hit a two-run home run with Schwarber on base.
San Diego recorded five hits in the game with two of those coming from Tatis, along with two walks, and Ty France chipped in with two hits as well. The only other “offense” came from Miguel Andujar who had a base hit and a walk. That was it. The Padres outhit the Phillies, but none of their hits made it over the wall or produced any runs — which means Tatis still has ZERO home runs on the season.
All that can be done is to move on to the next game and that is what San Diego will do. The Padres will host the Phillies in the second game of the series today at Petco Park at 6:40 p.m. The anticipation of the Jekyll and Hyde offense will diminish some of the excitement for a Randy Vasquez start but San Diego seems to find a way to win with him on the mound so that is something to look forward to.
Padres News:
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Speaking of the San Diego offense, Thomas Conroy of Gaslamp Ball took a look at the possibility of the Padres continuing their success throughout the season — as far as their win/loss record — in spite of their offensive struggles.
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With two more hits to open the series against the Phillies, Ty France has 26 hits and has upped his average to .289. He has five home runs, scored 10 runs and has driven in 16 runs. France has also added a stolen base. As good as his offense has been, his defense has been even better, and the former San Diego State Aztec looks happy and comfortable to be back in San Diego.
Baseball News:
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