One of the things that makes an offense good is the ability to get big hits at big times. That is a trait that's alluded the Padres in recent years.
They didn't have that problem on Sunday.
Hunter Renfroe ripped a pinch-hit grand slam to help the Friars to a 6-3 win over Cincinnati on Sunday, giving the Padres a series win over the Reds.
Cincy had a 2-0 lead in the 5th inning when San Diego loaded the bases with one out. Pitcher Tyson Ross was due up but manager Andy Green opted to take a shot at putting runs on the board so he sent in the big bat. Reds starter Luis Castillo left a slider up and Renfroe smoked it into the Western Metal Supply building in left field to put the Friars on top 4-2.
They got an other on an RBI single by Raffy Lopez in the 6th inning and got a little extra cushion when Cory Spangenberg hit a solo home run in the 8th inning. The bad news from this game is the reason Spangenberg was in the game in the first place.
In the 1st inning Christian Villanueva, the rookie who's 2nd in the National League in home runs (behind Nationals star Bryce Harper) fouled a pitch off his foot and had to leave the game. The Padres say their talented rookie 3rd baseman has an ankle contusion (cut) and a bruise but early indication is nothing is broken.
The Padres have won back-to-back series at home for the first time since August-September of last year. They can make it three in a row when the National League East-leading Atlanta Braves open a 3-game set on Monday night in the East Village. Clayton Richard gets the start against Julio Teheran.
