Padres Recap: This One's For The Girl

Padres' Nick Hundley Hits HR In 1st Game Since Becoming A Father

It's a little different for everyone, but I'm pretty sure most guys who've had it happen would agree ... Becoming a father is the best, scariest, most gratifying thing in a man's life.

On Thursday, Padres catcher Nick Hundley and his wife welcomed their daughter Allyson to the world. Hundley went on paternity leave to be there. He returned to the lineup on Saturday night against the Mets, and made that magic moment last just a little longer.

"The best moment of my career by far. Easily," said Hundley.

He was referring to smashing a 2-run home run that turned out to be the game-winner in the Padres 8-2 win over New York. It was Nick's career-best 10th homer of the season, and one trip around the bases he will never, ever forget.

"I couldn't stop smiling," said Hundley. "I thought about my daughter and got a little emotional on the bench."

Hundley had two of the Padres 15 hits. As a team they went 5-for-19 with runners in scoring position, a bug-a-boo that's hurt them in several games lately.

Will Venable had four hits and scored three runs from the leadoff spot. Jedd Gyorko also crushed his 13th home run of the year, a 3-run shot that put it out of reach.

Edinson Volquez went five innings to get the win, and the Padres bullpen was awesome. Dale Thayer, Nick Vincent, Luke Gregerson and Huston Street each threw an inning. Not one of them gave up a hit.

The Padres can split the series with a win Sunday. Eric Stults takes the mound against Matt Harvey, who started the All-Star Game for the National League.

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