ICYMI: Padres win fourth straight
The Swinging Friars continued to let the good times roll on Saturday, as San Diego secured its second series victory on the road and its fourth win in a row, defeating the Marlins, 5-3, at Marlins Park.
Saturday's victory was the Padres' 12th in the last 16 games, proving that they are one of the hottest teams in the National League. Odrisamer Despaigne headlined the win with another strong pitching performance, as he surrendered three earned runs on five hits while striking out five over six-plus innings. Despaigne earned his fifth win of the season with help from Shawn Kelley, newest Padres pitcher Marc Rzepczynski, Joaquin Benoit and Craig Kimbrel.
Rzepczynski did an excellent job in his Padres debut, retiring the only two batters he faced to close out the seventh inning. Kimbrel was able to redeem himself after Friday's blown slave, securing his 31st save of the season.
The Padres' offense continued to produce, as Yangervis Solarte and Matt Kemp enjoyed multi-hit games and each recorded an RBI. Justin Upton and Derek Norris drove in runs as well.
San Diego pounded out eight hits, going 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position. Upton and Kemp each recorded their 57th RBIs of the year, while Norris knocked in his 51st run of the season.
After taking the first two games of the weekend series in Miami, the Padres now have a chance to go for a series sweep. James Shields takes the hill against Jose Fernandez at 10:10 am PT at Marlins Park.
In case you missed it, here are some highlights and stories that might have passed you by on Saturday:
Padres post-game recap: Padres finish off Fish after Despaigne's start
Despaigne delivers six solid frames for his fifth win of the year: Video: SD@MIA: Despaigne fans five over six-plus
Kemp extends the Padres lead with an RBI sacrifice fly in the 2nd: Video: SD@MIA: Kemp adds to Padres' lead with sac fly
Derek Norris delivers two runs with an RBI double in the 3rd: Video: SD@MIA: Two runs score on Norris' double to left
Kimbrel collects his 31st save of the season to seal series win: Video: SD@MIA: Kimbrel gets Realmuto looking to earn save
Top stories of the day
Kennedy takes leave after birth of new child: Kennedy on paternity list; Federowicz designated
Padres newest lefty specialist revels in homecoming: SoCal native Rzepczynski glad to be home
Staying pat seemed most prudent for Preller: Preller made no moves, and that's A-OK
Kennedy celebrates new child, successful outing: A night of special deliveries for Kennedy
Down on the Farm: Mejia, Dorminy, Herrera pace Minors pitchers
Kennedy heads to paternity leave as Campos is recalled: Padres Roster Moves, 8/1/15
Notable Notes: Game Notes @ MIA (08.01)
Friar Forecast: Shields to face Fernandez in Sunday's finale
Sunday's pitching matchup: James Shields (8-4, 3.77 ERA) vs. Jose Fernandez (4-0, 2.53 ERA)