In just his second major league game 22-year old Yasiel Puig electrified fans at Dodger Stadium. In the fifth inning he blasted the first pitch he saw from Clayton Richard well out of the ballpark. Puig's three-run homer tied the game at five.
Special Section: San Diego Padres
Preceding that shot, the Padres had homered twice to build that 5-2 lead. Chris Denorfia hit the second pitch of the game over the fence to give the Padres an early 1-0 advantage. Kyle Blanks did the same in the second off of Dodgers starter Ted Lilly. His two run shot put the Friars up 3-0.
Although Richard got a no-decision he was missing his spots all night. In addition to Puig's homer in the fifth, the veteran lefty gave up a two-run homer in the bottom of the second.
After relieving Richard in the fifth Tyson Ross didn't fair much better. In the sixth Puig's second homer of the game was a two-run opposite field job off of Ross, who took the loss, to make it 9-6 Dodgers.
Carlos Quentin played his first game against the Dodgers since he charged the mound and got suspended on April 13th. Quentin was booed in his first plate appearance, but wasn't the target of any L.A. pitchers. He was 3-for-5 in the game with a home run.
Padres third baseman Chase Headley continued his struggles at the plate. After an 0-for-5 performance the 2012 NL RBI leader is mired in a 1-for-23 slump.
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The Dodgers won it 9-7 and are now just a half a game behind the Padres in the NL West. They go for the series sweep and a chance to get out of the division cellar Wednesday night at Chavez Ravine.
