ICYMI: Friars rally in extras against Braves
There's nothing quite like succeeding against your former team, and a trio of Padres were lucky enough to savor that feeling in a 5-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Monday. Outfielders Justin Upton and Melvin Upton Jr., along with closer Craig Kimbrel, made their first appearances at Turner Field since being traded away from Atlanta, and they certainly made their return a memorable one.
Upton Jr., who had been rehabbing from a preseason foot injury with the Padres' triple-A affiliate, was reinstated from the disabled list Monday and made it just in time to score the game-tying run. His younger brother, Justin Upton, was then able to score the go-ahead run in the 11th. Kimbrel's 14th save of the season turned out to be more monumental than anything else as he earned the 200th save of his career and became the fastest player in Major League Baseball to attain such a feat, having reached the milestone in only 318 career games.
The Padres ultimately scored five runs in 11 innings off nine hits. First baseman Yonder Alonso, outfielder Will Venable and shortstop Clint Barmes all enjoyed multihit games while Upton, Venable and Kemp all collected a stolen base as well. Starter Ian Kennedy did a decent job in five innings while surrendering only three earned runs and striking out six. Kennedy earned a no-decision; the "W" went to reliever Brandon Maurer, who lowered his ERA to 1.86.
In case you missed it, here are some stories and highlights that you may not have seen from Monday:
Padres postgame recap: Padres rally late to take series opener from Braves
Spangenberg's sacrifice-fly brings in Upton Jr. to tie the game in the 9th inningVideo: SD@ATL: Spangenberg's sac fly ties the game
Kemp's RBI double unties the game in the 11th inningVideo: SD@ATL: Kemp doubles to put Padres ahead in 11th
Amarista provides insurance with an RBI doubleVideo: SD@ATL: Amarista doubles in Kemp for insurance run
Kimbrel collects his 200th career save to seal itVideo: SD@ATL: Kimbrel gets 200th save in return to Atlanta
Spangy proving his mettle and making it count: Spangenberg beginning to round into form
Comfort and success come from what's familiar: For the Uptons, Kimbrel there's no place like home
Buddy takes a seat on High Heat: Padres' Skipper Discusses Improved Play and Hopeful Second-Half
Padres make their first pick of the Draft: Padres take RHP Smith with 51st pick
Game Note Highlights: Game Notes @ ATL (06.08) Padres Start Series with Kimbrel, Uptons' Return to Turner Field
Looking forward:
Friar Forecast: Shields looks to stay unbeaten as Padres visit Braves
Tuesday's probable pitchers: James Shields vs. Mike Foltynewicz