Matt Kemp broke open a pitcher’s duel with a three-run double in the 10th inning, starting a four-run inning that led to a 4-0 win over the Angels in Anaheim on Tuesday night.
“It felt good, I needed a big hit right there,” said Kemp, who was just 3-for-25 over the past week heading into the game. “I haven’t done very much the last two or three weeks. The team needs me.”
Derek Norris followed with a single to score Kemp and cap the scoring. Kemp and Norris both had a pair of hits for the Padres (22-25). Albert Pujols had two hits for the Angels.
The rally saved a solid performance from Padres starter Odrisamer Despaigne, who struck out five and didn’t walk a batter over six innings. Dale Thayer got two outs in the ninth to get the win.
Both teams made some tremendous plays on defense. Will Venable robbed Mike Trout of a potential home run in the third inning with a leaping catch at the fence. An inning later, Angels third baseman David Freese made a big play on a line drive by Will Middlebrooks with the bases loaded.
The two teams play again in Anaheim on Wednesday night.