Home runs carrying Padres in recent games

ST. PETERSBURG -- Ever think you would see the day where a Padres team had its offense driven by the home run? That is precisely what has happened lately.

Heading into Sunday's series finale against the Rays, the Padres had hit 18 home runs over their last 13 games, including four home runs in the first two games of the Rays series.

The 18 home runs in that span is tied for fifth in the Major Leagues and second in the National League. Only the Indians (24 home runs), Pirates (23), Tigers (21) and Angels (20) have hit more home runs than the Padres in that span.

And the power is coming from different places, as 10 different players have home runs over the last 13 games, including Chase Headley and Will Venable, who have three home runs each in that stretch.

"If you look at this club and the makeup of this group, there's more raw power and strength through the lineup," Padres manager Bud Black said. "There are even guys at the bottom of the order who can pop the ball."