For the sixteenth time this season the Padres failed to score a run. For the upteenth time they wasted another strong starting pitching performance. The result: A 2-0 loss in the series finale on Monday to the Braves.
Padres starter Jason Lane (0-1), a former big-league position player turned pitcher, navigated through six-plus innings and really made only one mistake. The 37-year old hung a slider to lead-off hitter Evan Gattis in the seventh inning. Gattis promptly deposited it into the left field seats at Turner Field. That was all the offense the Braves would need, although they tacked on another run in the eighth.
The Braves got a strong performance from Ervin Santana (10-6). His slider was snapping and Padres hitters were swinging. That combination led to eleven strikeouts for Santana, tying a career high. For good measure reliever Craig Kimbrel took over where Santana left off. The Braves closer pitched a perfect ninth inning, striking out the side for his 32nd save of the season.
The Padres finished the road trip with a 3-4 record. They face the Cardinals Tuesday night at Petco Park.
