ICYMI: Critical error results in loss, even series
Fans would be hard-pressed to find much to say after the Padres dropped yet another hard-luck loss against the Giants at AT&T Park on Wednesday. The Friars, who appeared as though they might carry some momentum into Wednesday's game after stealing an 11-inning 3-2 victory in the series opener on Tuesday, had trouble finding any rhythm against Ryan Vogelsong. Although San Diego was able to pound out five hits on the day - including another multi-hit game for Justin Upton and a double by starter Ian Kennedy - the Friars were unable to put together any offense and suffered their 11th shutout of the season in San Francisco.
On the bright side of things, Upton collected his 15th stolen base on the year to extend his streak to a perfect 15-for-15 when attempting to swipe an extra bag. Additionally, Kennedy technically earned a quality start on Wednesday after he surrendered only one earned run over 6.0 innings pitched on five hits while striking out six. That statistic may be a little misleading, however, as Kennedy's one earned run was paired with five additional unearned runs that all came at once during the home half of the third inning. A costly error by Will Middlebrooks during that third frame prolonged the inning and set the stage for a Buster Posey grand slam that all but sealed the game for the Giants and ultimately lead to an even series.
Fortunately for the Padres, the team still has a chance to take the series in Thursday's matinee rubber match with ace pitcher James Shields taking the mound for San Diego in the series finale. Following Thursday's game, the Padres will hopefully be on a "happy flight" home to start the last homestand before the All-Star break against the NL West rival Diamondbacks.
In case you missed it, here are some highlights and stories you may not have seen from Wednesday:
Padres post-game recap: Kennedy surrenders slam and Padres can't rebound
Upton smacks a double into left-field in the 4th inning:
Video: SD@SF: Upton laces double to left field
Kennedy collects his second hit of the year with a double into right-field:
Video: SD@SF: Kennedy collects a double in the 5th
Upton swipes his 15th stolen base of the season:
Video: SD@SF: Upton swipes second base in the 6th
A change of scenery sought for struggling slugger: Kemp hits leadoff for first time since 2010
Mid-week transaction implicates bevy of pitchers: Padres add Mateo, Quackenbush; Thayer to DL
Padres fans make the grade: Friar Faithful Among MLB's Best Fans for Punctuation and Grammar
Down on the farm: Rea leads Texas League with 1.06 ERA
Game Notes @ SF (06.24) Kennedy Vies for Continued Success against Giants in San Francisco
Looking forward:
Friar Forecast: Shields looks to secure series vs. Giants
Thursday's probable pitchers: James Shields (7-1, 3.75 ERA) vs. Chris Heston (7-5, 3.83 ERA)