ICYMI: Kennedy's command, plentiful offense topple Mets
For the second game in a row, Petco Park was the site of a rare pitching oddity that left many a pitching coach and fan alike scratching their heads. One night after the Mets chased starter Andrew Cashner out of the game through only 4 2/3 innings with 11 hits and 12 strikeouts under his belt, the Padres did the same thing to starter Noah Syndergaard, who surrendered 10 hits and struck out 10 through four innings. Monday and Tuesday mark the only times in Major League history that a pitcher has surrendered 10-plus hits and 10-plus strikeouts in less than five innings, and fortunately the Padres came out the victor the second time around. Starter Ian Kennedy, who was coming off a rough start his last time out against the Pittsburgh Pirates, recovered beautifully and earned both a quality start and the win in a 7-2 victory over the Mets.
Kennedy struck out a season-high eight batters over six innings and earned his first win since May 6 against the Giants, breaking a streak of four consecutive losses for the Padres right-hander. While Kennedy's bounce-back performance was a big story on Tuesday, San Diego's offense was just as big, as it pounded out 14 hits to score seven runs against New York. The Friars' offense came to life in the second inning thanks to a two-run RBI single off the bat of Alexi Amarista and a two-run triple courtesy of Will Venable. The Padres would continue to score thanks to another RBI triple -- this time off the bat of Cory Spangenberg -- and a two-run home run launched into left field by Derek Norris in the fourth. Tuesday night was also highlighted by the return of first baseman Yonder Alonso, who went 3-for-4 in his first game since being reinstated off the 15-day DL. Alonso, Amarista, Norris, Spangenberg and Venable all enjoyed multihit games as well. Thanks to Tuesday night's win, San Diego now has a chance to take the series after forcing a rubber match for Wednesday evening's contest.
In case you missed it, here are some stories and highlights that may have passed you by on Tuesday:
Padres postgame recap: Sharp in every facet, Padres top Mets
Kennedy punches out eight, goes six strong to earn his third win of the year:
Video: NYM@SD: Kennedy fans eight over six strong innings
Amarista drives in two with a single to give the Padres an early 2-1 lead:
Video: NYM@SD: Amarista puts Padres ahead with two-run hit
Norris crushes his fifth homer of the year, a two-run shot, to pad Padres lead:
Video: NYM@SD: Norris belts two-run shot to left
Alonso makes a beautiful leaping grab in his first game back off the DL:
Video: NYM@SD: Alonso robs Duda with leaping grab
The campaign continues for fans to #VotePadres: Upton slowly climbing All-Star ballot leaderboard
Out Yonder no longer as Alonso returns: Healthy Alonso returns to heart of Padres' line
Petco Park plays home to historic oddity: Cashner's Start - 'It was a weird one'
Down on the farm: Justin Hancock named Texas League Pitcher of the Week
Game Note Highlights: Game Notes vs. NYM (06.02) Friars, Kennedy Hope to Rebound Against Mets to Even Series
Looking forward:
Friar Forecast: Shields eyes 7-0 start as Padres face Mets in Finale
Wednesday's probable pitchers: James Shields vs. Dillon Gee