J. Upton homers as Padres down Marlins
SAN DIEGO -- The Padres took the series after beating the Marlins, 3-2, on Sunday in San Diego. Craig Kimbrel came in for the ninth inning and earned save No. 29 of the season.
Backed by Justin Upton's 16th home run of the season, Padres starting pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne allowed one run on two hits in six innings. It was his first victory since May 31.
Mat Latos allowed three runs in six innings with five strikeouts, as the Marlins lost their third straight game. J.T. Realmuto had two hits, including his sixth home run of the season.
"It's difficult, especially to waste good pitching," Miami manager Dan Jennings said after his team's 3-7 road trip. "We've had solid pitching, really, on this series."
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Showing Up before Deadline: As the Trade Deadline approaches, Justin Upton gave potential buyers another reason to show interest when he blasted a 393-foot homer to left-center field to give the Padres their first run of the game. This was his third start back since missing four games with a tight left oblique. More >
"I felt a lot better today," Upton said.
Latos' last start with Miami?: If Sunday was Latos' final start with the Marlins, the 27-year-old made it a quality one. He got off to a rocky start, but settled. In the sixth inning, he had some bad luck as Will Venable doubled on a perfectly floated flare to left. Latos' last four outings have been quality starts. A number of scouts were on hand to watch. More >
"It seemed like when I did make a good pitch today, I jammed a couple of guys -- jammed base hit, little bleeders," Latos said.
Video: MIA@SD: Latos fans five over six innings vs. Padres
Home Cooking: There's no place like home, right? Despaigne continued his strong pitching at Petco Park. In 108 1/3 career innings at home he has a 3.24 ERA. However, on the road he has a 5.12 ERA in 84 1/3 innings. More >
Video: MIA@SD: Despaigne throws six innings of one-run ball
Speed of Realmuto: Not only were the Marlins held without a run for four innings, they didn't have a hit until Realmuto, who lined out sharply to center in the second inning, singled to right to open the fifth. The hit set up a run, as Realmuto was able to showcase his speed. The catcher, a former quarterback in high school, raced home with Miami's first run. More >
Rojas strains shoulder: Miami shortstop Miguel Rojas strained his right shoulder while making a diving play in the sixth inning. The club list his status as day-to-day. The Marlins were giving regular shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria a day off, starting slick-fielding Rojas. On Matt Kemp's RBI grounder in the sixth inning, Rojas made a nice lunging play with the infield in. He turned and threw Kemp out at first, but on the play banged his right shoulder on the ground. Shaken up, Rojas was tended to by trainer Sean Cunningham, and he completed the inning. In the seventh inning, Rojas batted and grounded out to short. But in the bottom of the inning he was replaced by Hechavarria.
"When I made the play, I felt a little soreness in my shoulder," Rojas said. "It's a little sore right now. We'll see how I feel tomorrow."
QUOTABLE
"Not as good as I would have hoped for but it has definitely ended on a positive note these last three nights. But we're going to have to play better. I am not sitting here saying I am satisfied, that group in [the clubhouse] knows we need to keep rolling. But we are starting to have some fun, the clubhouse is starting to get rolling a little bit, the leaders are doing a good job of that. And that's a good sign, that's a step. But we have to work on getting better…I think if that happens we can continue to play well and anything can happen." - Interim manager Pat Murphy on going 6-3 for the homestand
Video: MIA@SD: Murphy on one-run win in series finale
"He's a catalyst. There is reason he's an All-Star. He's been our spark plug all year. When you lose a guy like that at the top of your order, you certainly miss it. If Tuesday is the day he comes back, it will be great, because it gives us a catalyst back at the top." -- Jennings on the chance Dee Gordon (dislocated left thumb) will be reinstated from the disabled list on Tuesday
SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
Upton has now hit 13 of his 16 home runs this season at Petco Park. He's two shy of Venable's single season record at the ballpark, which opened in 2004.
REPLAY REVIEW
With one out in the sixth inning and Venable on third, the Padres challenged the call that Kemp was out at first after Rojas dove for the ground ball and was slow to throw to first. The call was confirmed. Kemp got an RBI when Venable scored.
Video: MIA@SD: Rojas makes a tough play, exits with injury
WHAT'S NEXT
Marlins: After wrapping up a 10-game road trip Sunday, the Marlins are off Monday before taking on the Nationals on Tuesday at Marlins Park. Jose Fernandez (3-0, 2.77) looks to keep his perfect home record intact during the 7:10 p.m. ET start. He is 14-0 in 22 career starts at Miami. Jordan Zimmermann (8-5, 3.30) is starting for Washington.
Padres: The Padres will have an off-day Monday before starting their 10-game road trip. James Shields (8-3, 3.77 ERA) will get the start as San Diego plays the Mets on Tuesday at 4:10 p.m. PT.
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