The Marlins had a chance to sweep the Padres out of PETCO Park, with Cy Young candidate Josh Johnson on the hill but the newly acquired outfielder Ryan Ludwick decided to put an end to that plan.
At the bottom of the 6th, Ludwick was called on to pinch-hit and got a big ovation from his new home crowd.
After fouling off four straight tough pitches, Ludwick hit a rocket to left field. It was hit too hard for Yorvit Torrealba to score, so the bases were loaded for Chris Denorfia.
This is what professional hitters do.
Sacrifice fly to bring home the tying run, the Padres had new life. The next batter gave them the lead.
Jerry Hairston hit a shot to left, rookie Logan Morrison took one step in and it cost him.
The ball flew over his head ----the 6-foot, 3-inch, 220 pound Ludwick got a head of steam and wasn't gonna stop. He scored from first with a tremendous slide.
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“I’ll never forget. I slid across home plate and I had guys right there pumping their fists, fired up,” Ludwick said in the Padres locker room after the game.
Padres win 5-4.
It’s no secret the Padres have playoffs on the brain and their newest teammate is more than happy to go along with that plan.
“I’m right on board with them. As a player, that’s my ultimate goal – to win a championship,” Ludwick said.
The Padres play the next 17 out of 20 on the road.
