SAN DIEGO -- The Padres escaped an early jam, then scored four runs in the first inning en route to a 4-1 victory over the Diamondbacks.
Here’s some instant reaction from Petco Park:
Cronenworth’s eventful night
I’m not sure Jake Cronenworth’s evening could’ve started much worse. He took a ground ball to the face during warmups and sustained a bloody nose. He was cleared to play, then committed an error that led to the Diamondbacks’ only run.
But he made up for it all rather emphatically. Cronenworth launched a three-run homer into the right-field seats, giving the Padres a 4-1 lead in the first.
It was the latest sign that Cronenworth is back to his old self. He struggled at the plate early this season -- and some of those struggles came after he began experiencing concussion symptoms after he was hit by a pitch in the face. Eventually, Cronenworth landed on the IL and missed nearly two months.
Since his return, he’s hitting .310 with two homers, including Tuesday’s shot which proved decisive.
Brito’s return was impactful
The Padres probably didn’t envision thrusting Jhony Brito into a high-leverage spot for his first appearance in nearly two years. But with two on and one out in the sixth, the situation called for Brito. He delivered.
The right-hander needed only one pitch to escape the sixth inning, promptly inducing an inning-ending double-play ball from Nolan Arenado. Manager Craig Stammen stuck with Brito for the seventh inning as well. He retired the D-backs in order.
Brito underwent elbow surgery last April and missed the entire season. The Padres recalled him prior to Tuesday’s game, though his role was unclear. Brito can start and pitch both short and long relief.
He’s already proving his usefulness to a pitching staff that is currently dealing with an overwhelming number of injuries.
Márquez makes it work
Germán Márquez recorded one out with his first 31 pitches, and you started to wonder how long his night might last.
As it turns out? Five innings, one run, and he picked up the win.
Márquez found himself in some serious trouble early. Cronenworth’s error didn’t help. But he also allowed a double and two walks. The D-backs loaded the bases with no outs. Then, after getting a force out at the plate, Márquez walked in the game’s first run.
But Arenado’s ensuing line drive went right to Padres second baseman Sung-Mun Song, who gloved it and stepped on the bag for the double play. From there, Márquez wouldn’t allow another runner into scoring position.
As noted above, the Padres’ pitching staff is currently on shaky ground because of injuries. They need some of their fringe arms to step up. Márquez was recalled last week, and this was his first start since his return. He made the most of it.