ICYMI: Shields loses perfect record in series opener
The run for perfection is over. Padres starter James Shields was handed his first loss of the season on Friday as the Friars lost 4-2 in the first of a three-game set against the Diamondbacks. Shields, who had gone 7-0 with a 3.59 ERA in his first 14 starts of the season, reached a number of milestones along the way before receiving his first loss of the year. For instance, Shields was only the second pitcher in franchise history to start a season at 7-0. Additionally, Shields became the fastest pitcher in franchise history to reach 100 strikeouts after having hit the 100 punch-out milestone in 82.2 innings pitched this season.
Unfortunately for the Friars and Shields, Friday would mark the end of Shields phenomenal run and bring the Padres ace his first loss of the season. Shields had an uncharacteristic start at Chase Field after he surrendered four runs in the first three frames placing the Padres in an early deficit. After those three runs, Shields returned to his former self and held the Diamondbacks at just those four runs for the remainder of his six-inning outing. The generous run support that Shields typically receives during his starts - an average of 5.27 runs of support per game, which leads the Padres staff - did not make an appearance on Friday as the Friars were only able to muster two runs on six hits during the course of the game. Justin Upton received an RBI bases-loaded walk in the fifth, but the Padres were unable to capitalize on the other opportunities given to them as the Friars went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position. The only other RBI on the night came from a Cory Spangenberg sacrifice fly that scored Upton in the eighth inning.
Although the Padres dropped the series opener against the Diamondbacks on Friday, the team will try once again on Saturday by sending righty Tyson Ross to the mound to try and even up the series against Arizona. In case you missed it, here are some highlights and stories that may have passed you by on Friday:
Padres post-game recap: Shields takes 1st loss as offense struggles
Norris makes a diving play to nab Goldschmidt at the plate, prompting a review:
Video: SD@ARI: Norris tags out Goldy at home after challenge
Shields scores on Upton's bases-loaded walk in the 5th inning:
Video: SD@ARI: Upton takes ball four, scoring Shields
Spangenberg scores Upton to cut Arizona's lead in half:
Video: SD@ARI: Spangenberg flies to left, scoring Upton
Wallace makes his return to the bigs: Padres call up Wallace, option Mazzoni
Former ASU head coach also makes Phoenix his home: Arizona series a homecoming for Murphy
Father's day a special day for one Friar: Middlebrooks one of many influenced by teacher dad
Murph's Marks: Murphy gets call from Black, returns to Phoenix home, reunited with Wallace
Game Notes @ ARI (06.19) Shields Seeks Elusive Eighth Win in Phoenix
Looking forward:
Friar Forecast: Ross hopes to even series with a bounceback performance
Friday's probable pitchers: Tyson Ross (3-7, 90 ERA) vs. Robbie Ray (2-1, 1.09 ERA)