ICYMI: Padres prevail over Reds in pitching duel
Monday night's series opener between the Padres and Reds presented the perfect setting for an unconventional pitching duel as San Diego and Cincinnati combined for three total runs over nine innings, with the Friars ultimately coming out on top with a 2-1 victory. While the Friars were able to produce seven hits on the day against the Reds, the team did leave eight runners on base -- nearly matching the Reds' stranded-runner count, which hit double digits on Monday.
Starter Ian Kennedy limited Cincinnati's offense to only two hits and one run over five innings of work, but he had a difficult time keeping the Reds off the basepaths, as he issued six walks on the evening. To Kennedy's credit, however, he was able to strand seven of the Reds' baserunners, as Cincinnati had a difficult time producing runs against the Padres' pitching staff. The Reds left a total of 10 runners on base, while scoring their loan run of the night via a home run in the second inning.
Meanwhile, it was business as usual for the Padres' bullpen, which delivered a solid outing in relief of Kennedy to help the veteran righty secure his seventh win of the season. Dale Thayer, Shawn Kelley, Joaquin Benoit and Craig Kimbrel combined for four innings of shutout baseball while surrendering only two hits and one walk combined. Kelley collected three straight strikeouts in the seventh, while Kimbrel converted his 32nd save of the season, the third-most saves in Major League Baseball this year.
Although runs were at a premium on Monday, that didn't stop Justin Upton from launching his 20th home run of the season into the beach in right-center field. Upton's home run -- a two-run shot that scored Matt Kemp to give the Friars a 2-1 lead -- not only gave him the team lead in RBIs with 62, but also tied a Petco Park single-season record for most home runs hit by a Padre. Upton's two-run tater marked his 15th homer at home this year, tying a record set by Will Venable in 2013, when he also launched 15 home runs out of San Diego's downtown venue.
Other notable marks in the scorebook include infielder Yangervis Solarte continuing his hot-hitting ways by collecting a single in the seventh; he's hit safely in 15 of his last 16 games since July 25. Additionally, Venable collected his 11th stolen base of the year, while Derek Norris hit his 23rd double of the season off of David Holmberg in the sixth.
On Tuesday, the Padres will continue their three-game series vs. Cincy, with San Diego pitching prospect Colin Rea making his Major League debut against Michael Lorenzen.
In case you missed it, here are some highlights and stories from Monday:
Padres postgame recap and highlights: Upton's homer enough to reward Kennedy
Manager Pat Murphy ejected in the fourth inning after arguing balls and strikes:
Video: CIN@SD: Murphy ejected for arguing balls and strikes
Kennedy induces a flyout in the fourth inning to escape a bases-loaded jam:
Video: CIN@SD: Kennedy induces fly ball to avoid trouble
Upton gives the Padres a 2-1 lead after crushing a solo shot to center in the fourth inning:
Video: CIN@SD: J. Upton's two-run homer gives Padres lead
Kimbrel seals the win with his 32nd save of the season:
Video: CIN@SD: Kimbrel collects 32nd save in 2-1 Padres win
The day's top stories:
Padres' backstop continues to impress with career year: Catching coordinator lauds Norris' strides
Big day awaits Friars' top prospect: Rea 'nervous and excited' for first MLB start
A look to the reasoning behind to Murph's methods: Defending decision to leave in Ross to bunt
Ballgirl makes it look easy: Padres ballgirl shows some serious ups on catch
Down on the farm: CF Alberth Martinez has 2 HRs, 4 RBIs for Double-A San Antonio
Murph's Musings: Murphy says Myers "looks healthy," Rea "ready"
Notable notes: Game Notes vs. CIN (08.10) Friars Welcome Reds to San Diego for Three-Game Set
Looking forward to the next game:
Friar forecast: Rea takes on Reds in big league debut
Tuesday's probable pitchers: Colin Rea (0-0, -.-- ERA) vs. Michael Lorenzen (3-7, 4.84 ERA)