I could get used to this.
The Padres, who have not been able to string wins together all season long, have finally figured out how to do it. The Friars beat the Rockies 5-4 on Friday night at Petco Park. The Pads have won four straight games for just the second time all season and all of a sudden, at 43-49 with a string of games against sub-.500 opponents ahead of them, climbing back to at least respectability doesn’t seem like such a daunting task.
The Padres got something that has eluded them for most of the season: timely hitting. In the 6th inning, Matt Kemp had a couple of runners on with two outs so he decided to continue his recent hot streak. Kemp lashed a 2-run double to centerfield to break a 1-1 tie.
Starting pitcher Tyson Ross was trying to protect the lead when he ran in to trouble in the 7th inning. Brandon Barnes tripled home a run to chase Ross, who left still in line for the win. Brandon Maurer, who’s been fantastic in the bullpen this year, had a rare hiccup, allowing a double to the pinch-hitting Wilin Rosario that tied it up at 3-3.
Ross threw 102 pitches and finished with a no-decision. Maurer threw 12 pitches and got the win because in the bottom of the 7th, Rockies reliever Christian Friedrich issued a leadoff walk to Melvin Upton Jr. then served up a 2-run home run to former Rockie Clint Barmes. Two of Clint’s three home runs this season have come against his old mates.
Actually, it might be a bad idea to let Barmes go then play against him. Clint used to play in Colorado, Houston and Pittsburgh. Against the Rockies, Astros and Pirates this year Barmes is batting .407 and recorded four of his 10 RBI.
Closer Craig Kimbrel, who has struggled with the highest earned run average of his career this year, found a bit of his old magic, striking out the side in the 9th for his 25th save of the season.
Another bright spot for the Padres was rookie catcher Austin Hedges. Not only did he throw out both baserunners who tried to steal on him (Barnes both times), but Hedges also hit a solo home run in the 3rd inning to get the scoring started.
The Friars can earn their first 5-game winning streak of the year, and first series sweep since May 1-3 (also against the Rockies) on Sunday afternoon. Andrew Cashner gets the start against Eddie Butler.
