Bill Center, longtime sportswriter for U-T San Diego, is an employee of the Padres.
Catcher Austin Allen got Wednesday off, but Class A Fort Wayne improved to 4-3 with a 6-5 Midwest League win at Great Lakes.
Right-handed pitching prospects Austin Smith and Jean Cosme each went four innings for the TinCaps.
Smith, 19, the Padres' second-round pick last June, allowed two runs on five hits with three strikeouts over to lower his ERA to 7.11. Cosme (1-0, 3.38 ERA) followed, allowing three runs on four hits and a walk with four strikeouts in four innings.
Right-hander Elliot Ashbeck (0.00 ERA) allowed two hits in a scoreless inning to get his first save.
Versatile River Stevens (.286) started in left for Fort Wayne and homered in four at-bats with a steal and two runs scored. Second baseman Peter Van Gansen (.350) was 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and a RBI. Shortstop Ruddy Giron (.267) was 1-for-4 with a walk and a steal for two runs scored.
Around the farm
TRIPLE-A EL PASO (1-4): TACOMA 9, Chihuahuas 3. LF Alex Dickerson (.231) hit his second homer in as many games and scored twice. C Austin Hedges (.333) had a double in three at-bats with a RBI and a run scored. Starting RHP Carlos Pimental took the loss, allowing five runs on seven hits and two walks with two strikeouts in four innings.
DOUBLE-A SAN ANTONIO (3-3): The Missions had Wednesday off. Outfielder Nick Torres is expected back in the lineup Thursday after missing several games with a sprained ankle.
CLASS A ADVANCED LAKE ELSINORE (5-2): HIGH DESERT 4, Storm 1. Starting LHP Thomas Dorminy (0-2, 8.10 ERA) allowed all four runs on seven hits and two walks with three strikeouts in four innings. LHP Kyle McGrath (0.00 ERA) allowed three hits with two strikeouts in three scoreless innings. RHP Chris Huffman (3.60) pitched a perfect inning.