ICYMI: Sharp Ross delivers even series in Phoenix
Sometimes when people say that a pitcher is "going the distance," it often refers to the fact that that player is on their way to throwing a complete game. For Tyson Ross and the San Diego Padres, not only did Ross go the distance by pitching the team's first complete game of the season, but Ross also collected his first RBI of the season after legging out an RBI-triple to score Alexi Amarista in the ninth inning. Truly, a pitcher that can both pitch and hit is someone who went the distance - and then some.
Ross pitched masterfully on Saturday, throwing 9.0 innings of one-run baseball after surrendering only four hits while striking out nine along the way. The Padres offense was much more active on Saturday night as well, as the Friars hammered out 10 hits on their way to an 8-1 victory over the Diamondbacks to even the series and force the rubber match on Sunday. Outfielder Matt Kemp and shortstop Clint Barmes each enjoyed multi-hit games after Barmes went 3-for-5 with two RBI and Kemp went 2-for-5 with two runs scored. Derek Norris launched his ninth home run of the season in the third inning, adding to his impressive pre-All Star break numbers, while outfielder Melvin Upton Jr. knocked in his first home run of the season with a two-run shot in the ninth to score Ross. Upton Jr.'s 2-run homer also plated his first two RBI of the season as well.
With game two in the books for the Friars, the Padres now have a chance to go for the series win against Arizona tomorrow with Andrew Cashner taking the mound in the rubber match. In case you missed it, here are some highlights and stories you may not have seen from Saturday:
Padres post-game recap: Ross, Padres dominate D-backs, even series
Ross strikes out nine en route to a commanding complete game victory:
Video: SD@ARI: Ross tosses complete game, strikes out nine
Norris cranks a solo home run to make it a 2-0 Padres lead in the third inning: [imbedded link:
Video: SD@ARI: Norris drills a solo homer to left-center
Ross follows Amarista's RBI triple with an RBI triple of his own in the ninth inning:
Video: SD@ARI: Ross plates Amarista with triple to right
Upton Jr. launches his first home run of the season with a two-run tater in the ninth:
Video: SD@ARI: Upton Jr. slugs a two-run shot to left-center
Luebke looking strong following surgery: Luebke progresses in Tommy John comeback
Ross goes the distance for year's first complete game: Ross stymies D-backs with shift to attack mode
Down on the farm: Gyorko hits homer in EL Paso win
Murph's Marks: Murphy talks about Luebke, Myers, Melvin Upton Jr., Shields
Game Notes @ ARI (06.20) Ross and Padres Hope to Bounce Back against Snakes in Phoenix
Looking forward:
Friar Forecast: Cashner, Hellickson face off in rubber match
Sunday's probable pitchers: Andrew Cashner (2-8, 4.24 ERA) vs. Jeremy Hellickson (4-4, 5.10 ERA)