ICYMI: Padres close homestand with series victory
Things seem to be going well for San Diego lately as the Swinging Friars won their third straight game in a row on Sunday and have gone 8-3 (.727) in their last 11 games. Starter Odrisamer Despaigne earned his fourth victory of the season as the Padres downed the Marlins, 3-2 -- their third straight game of scoring three runs against the Miami ballclub. The Padres also secured their second series victory of a 10-day, nine-game homestand. With Sunday afternoon's victory over the Fish, San Diego finished their homestand with a 6-3 record, and improved to an overall record of 47-52.
Despaigne threw six innings of one-run baseball after surrendering only two hits and three strikeouts to earn both a quality start and his fourth win of the season in what can be considered a solid "bounceback" performance for the Cuban righty.
The Padres reliable late-inning trio of Brandon Maurer, Joaquin Benoit and Craig Kimbrel once again delivered a superb outing from the bullpen as the three righties combined for three innings of one-run baseball on two hits and two strikeouts. Kimbrel also earned his third-straight save in as many games, and he converted his 29th save of the season.
The big story for the Padres offense Sunday was outfielder Justin Upton, who went 2-for-3 with a home run in the second inning. It was actually Upton's home run that kicked off the scoring for the Friars in the beginning of the game. Upton would end up being one of three Padres hitters to collect an RBI.
Alexi Amarista also collected an RBI on a sacrifice fly in the same inning as Upton's homer, and fellow outfielder Matt Kemp would record an RBI on a groundout in the sixth inning. Additionally, first baseman Yonder Alonso enjoyed a multi-hit game like Upton, as Alonso went 2-for-4 at the plate with a run scored.
The Padres will now take a "Happy Flight" to the east coast for an off day Monday prior to opening a series against the Mets later on this week. James Shields will face Noah Syndergaard and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Tuesday night. In case you missed it, here are some highlights and stories that may have passed you by.
Padres postgame recap: Justin Upton homers as Padres down Marlins
Upton's 16th homer of the season puts the Padres up 1-0 in the 2nd:
Video: MIA@SD: J. Upton hits solo shot to put Padres on top
Amarista's RBI sacrifice fly adds to the Friars' lead to 2-0 in the 2nd:
Video: MIA@SD: Amarista hits sac fly to pad Padres' lead
Venable lays out with a fantastic web gem in the 9th to keep the Marlins at bay:
Video: MIA@SD: Venable races in to make a great diving catch
Kimbrel collects his 29th save of the year and secures another Padres victory:
Video: MIA@SD: Kimbrel seals Padres' win with his 29th save
Top stories of the day
The 11th hour tolls as trade deadline approaches: Upton, Padres bracing for roster changes
Mastery over Marlins puts O.D. back in a groove: Despaigne bounces back to earn win
Young Padres outfielder hits speed bump in recovery: Myers to have wrist examined as precaution
Down on the Farm: Travis Jankowski, Will Middlebrooks keep El Paso hot
Murph's Musings: Myers to see doctor after experiencing soreness in wrist
Notable Notes: Game Notes vs. MIA (07.26) Friars close out Homestand with Sunday Series Finale
Looking forward
Friar Forecast: Shields takes on Mets to open road trip
Tuesday's pitching matchup: James Shields (8-3, 3.77 ERA) vs. Noah Syndergaard (4-5, 2.97 ERA)