ICYMI: Friars settle for split as Cards take finale
The Padres' offense had a difficult time getting any momentum going on Sunday despite taking an early lead against the Cardinals in the series finale of a four-game set in St. Louis. That lead, which came courtesy of a Matt Kemp RBI single in the third, would not last, as the Cardinals answered in the bottom of the inning before going on to a 3-1 victory. Fortunately for the Padres, their first two victories in the series against one of the toughest teams in baseball padded their record and guaranteed a series split.
Starter Ian Kennedy didn't make too many mistakes on Sunday, as he surrendered only three earned runs on seven hits with four strikeouts over six innings. Unfortunately, Kennedy didn't receive any run support and was pegged with the loss despite a quality start. Kevin Quackenbush took over for Kennedy at the start of the seventh inning and continued to prove his value in the bullpen with two scoreless innings.
The Padres' hits on the day came off the bats of Kemp, Yangervis Solarte and Will Venable. Solarte extended his current hitting streak to six games -- going 6-for-20 (.300) over that span -- while Kemp collected his 42nd RBI of the season.
The Padres now head to Pittsburgh to play a three-game set against the Pirates, with ace James Shields taking the hill on Monday evening. In case you missed it, here are some highlights and stories from Sunday:
• Bats fall short against Cardinals in finale
• Kennedy strikes out four in quality start
• Kemp's RBI single plates Solarte
• Norris visits with Padres' booth
• Upton hopeful for All-Star Game consideration
• Padres to evaluate when to activate Thayer
• Five thoughts on some prominent Padres players
• Down on the Farm: Renfroe homers; Gale, Dickerson pace Chihuahuas
Looking forward:
• Shields gets ball as Padres look for another PNC Park win
Monday's probable pitchers: James Shields (7-3, 4.14 ERA) vs. A.J. Burnett (7-3, 2.05 ERA)