ICYMI: Friars go yard to roll past Reds
The Reds made a last minute lineup change on Friday, opting for rookie Jon Moscot over Raisel Iglesias to take the mound for Cincinnati that evening. That late scratch didn't faze the visiting Friars however as San Diego rolled on to a 6-2 victory powered by three long balls and an effective five-inning start from veteran righty Tyson Ross. Ross surrendered only two earned runs while striking out seven over his five innings of work, which was just enough to earn the victory and improve to a 3-5 record while lowering his ERA to 3.75. Ross also improved his career numbers against Cincinnati, now owning a 3-0 record lifetime against the Reds with 21 strikeouts over three career starts at Great American Ballpark.
Helping Ross in his quest for his third win of the season was a rejuvenated Padres offense that scored six runs on nine hits, with three of those hits coming by way of the home run on Friday. Will Venable, Will Middlebrooks and Derek Norris all contributed solo home runs against the Reds while Alexi Amarista and Yonder Alonso contributed with a couple of RBI of their own. Outfielder Matt Kemp, who has gone 3-for-8 in his last two games, proved that he was more than just a hitter by making a spectacular diving turned somersaulting catch in the third inning that prevented a run from scoring. Thanks to Friday's all-around team win, the Padres returned to the .500 mark and improved to 28-28 on the season.
In case you missed it, here are some stories and highlights that may have passed you by on Friday:
Padres post-game recap: Padres power up to defeat Reds
Venable launches a solo shot in the second to extend the Padres lead
Video: SD@CIN: Venable launches a solo shot to right-center
Middlebrooks tacks on with a home run in the third
Video: SD@CIN: Middlebrooks hammers a solo shot to center
Kemp leaves it all on the field to make a spectacular diving catch
Video: SD@CIN: Kemp somersaults after making a diving catch
#NorrisaurusRex goes deep in the seventh for the sixth Padres' run of the night
Video: SD@CIN: Norris hammers a solo shot to left field
Hot corner has a hot bat: Middlebrooks serving as offensive catalyst
Chihuahuas about to field a big dog: Myers set to begin rehab stint at Triple-A
If you're not voting for Norris or Upton, you're doing it wrong: #VotePadres 2015 ASG esurance ballot
Down on the farm: Outfield Torres, LHP Dorminy selected for Midwest League All-Star Game
Buddy's Bullets: Myers to start rehab assignment on Sunday; Cashner and Despaigne switch spots in the rotation
Game Note Highlights: Game Notes @ CIN (06.05) Ross, Padres Look to Continue Winning Ways in Cincinnati
Looking forward:
Friar Forecast: Padres continue road trip vs. Lorenzen, Reds
Saturday's probable pitchers: Andrew Cashner vs. Michael Lorenzen