ICYMI: Padres erupt for 15 hits, 4 HRs in win
When eight of the Padres' starting nine record at least one hit in a single game, it tends to suggest that the offense did a pretty good job that day. Such was the case on Sunday as the Swinging Friars pounded out 15 hits, including four roundtrippers, in a 10-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies.
Starter James Shields pitched marvelously in his first six innings against the Rox as he allowed only one run on one hit -- a leadoff home run from Charlie Blackmon in the first inning -- and two walks. Overall, Shields finished the day surrendering four runs on two hits and four walks with eight strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings. Nonetheless, Shields' 111-pitch performance was good enough for his 13th win of 2015.
The Padres needed only a few relievers on Sunday in contrast to the five used in Saturday's contest. Pitchers Bud Norris, Joaquin Benoit and Craig Kimbrel combined to pitch 2 1/3 innings of scoreless baseball while also recording just two hits and six strikeouts. Benoit and Kimbrel each struck out the side.
The four Padres home runs -- courtesy of Yangervis Solarte, Matt Kemp, Jedd Gyorko and Cory Spangenberg -- accounted for half of San Diego's score at the end of the day. Solarte plated a pair of runs in the first inning to raise his season total to 59 RBIs. Kemp raised his total to 98 RBIs after going 3-for-5 with three runs scored and two doubles.
Outfielder Justin Upton also had a big day at the plate as he went 3-for-5 with three RBIs and a run scored with two doubles. Upton reached the 80-RBI plateau, while catcher Derek Norris posted an RBI after going 2-for-5. Rookie Travis Jankowski also contributed to San Diego's run production with a clutch two-out single in the second inning for his sixth RBI of his career. Overall, the team as a whole went 5-for-11 with runners in scoring position.
In case you missed it, here are some highlights and stories that you might not have seen:
Padres postgame recap: Padres belt four homers in rout of Rockies
Shields' 13th win of 2015 Video: SD@COL: Shields holds Rockies to two hits in win
Solarte, Kemp, Gyorko and Spangenberg all go yard Video: SD@COL: Padres offense collects four homers in win
J. Upton drives in Kemp Video: SD@COL: Upton lines an RBI double to left-center
Norris rips an RBI single Video: SD@COL: Norris rips RBI single into center field
J. Upton drives in 2 Video: SD@COL: J. Upton drives in two with single into right
Former Rookie of the Year Myers continues to shine: Myers comfortable at plate since return
Big Texan recognized for efforts on and off the field: Cashner finalist for Roberto Clemente Award
Gyorko continues to stand tall in short position: Padres 'pleased' with Gyorko's development at short
Padres on Cut4: Padres pitchers traverse wilderness to hunt down Murphy's first career homer
Game Notes @ COL (09.20) Shields set for Mile High Finale in Penultimate Roadtrip
Looking forward:
Friar Forecast: Ross faces Giants looking to end winless stretch
Tuesday's pitching preview: Tyson Ross (10-10, 3.18 ERA)vs. Chris Heston (11-10, 3.61 ERA)