May 11th, 2010 Padres 3 Giants 2

WP Ryan Webb 1.1IP, 1H, 0R,0ER, 0BB, 1K, 18P

LP Barry Zito 5IP, 6H, 3R, 3ER, 7BB, 2K, 109P

It was not the prettiest, most exciting game ever, but it was a great game, one of my favorites of the year so far.  Why?  Why would a game where we strand fifteen base runners, only get 4.2 innings out of Wade LeBlanc and the final score is 3-2 be so exciting? 

Well the Padres showed grit, toughness and a will to win in a sloppy game.  They gave Barry Zito, who up to this point looked like his old dominant self, his first loss of the season by being patient and grinding out at bats, started by lead off man Scott Hairston’s eleven pitch at bat in the top of the first. 

They scored the run that would be the difference in the game, by being aggressive and opportunistic.  Kyle Blanks earned a walk, stole second and then came around to score on a single by Yorvit Torrealalba, that he fought off to left field to bring in the run. 

It was a beautiful sequence, and something that makes you appreciate the way the Padres are playing right now.  Oh and also they increased their first place lead over the Giants by a game.  All in all a pretty good night by the bay for the Friars. 

David Eckstein was his usual pest like self, getting on base all five times with two singles and three walks, with one of the singles being of the two RBI variety.  As a testament to their patience, the Padres drew twelve walks on the night, with seven coming from Barry Zito who was taken out after five due to his high pitch count. 

The 7th 8th and 9th stoppers were spot on, with Gregerson and Adams each getting a strikeout apiece in their turns, and Heath Bell pitching around a walk to retire the Giants, and seal the win.  Two more to go but it is always nice to get the first one.

May 12th, 2010 Padres 5 Giants 2

WP Clayton Richard 7IP, 7H, 2R, 2ER, 2BB, 2K, 92P

LP Matt Cain 6.2IP, 6H, 5R, 5ER, 6BB, 3K, 116P

Clayton Richard versus Matt Cain.  The betting man would take Matt Cain and it is hard to argue with that opinion considering the way Cain has been pitching this year.  Clayton Richard however got the better of the matchup with some help from the Padres hitters who made Matt Cain work for every out he got. 

Cain had his worst outing of the year, giving up five runs and walking six, while Richard went seven innings and only gave up two runs.  The Padres again showed great patience and discipline at the place, and as has been their M.O. this year, taking advantage of any baserunner they get. 

Almost a carbon copy of the night before, when Blanks walked, stole second and scored on a double, Will Venable pulled the same exact trick, except he scored on a double but the result was the same.  Turning a single walk into a run one batter latter is what winning teams do. 

Yorvit Torrealalba had two RBI’s and continues his hot hitting, making it tough for Nick Hundley to see any playing time.  With the way he his hitting though you will not hear anyone complain, least of all Hundley.  Mike Adams and Heath Bell finished up the game with Bell earning his tenth save of the year to win another series for the Padres as they get another game up on the second place Giants

May 13th, 2010 Padres 1 Giants 0

WP Mat Latos 9IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 6K, 106P

LP Jonathan Sanchez, 8IP, 3H, 1R, 1ER, 1BB, 5K, 105

Wow.  Just wow.  Mat Latos is dominating right. I mean absolutely dominating.  He out dueled Jonathan Sanchez who pitched a great game himself and was one single away from a perfect game.  Oh and he also had the only RBI in the game that would turn out to be difference. 

Pretty good day in the big leagues for the twenty two year old.  Taking away his one terrible start in Florida, which was an aberration we hope, lets look at his insane stats over his last four starts(minus the Florida one)- 30IP, 13H, 2R, 2ER, 4BB, 21K, 0.60 ERA.  That is absolutely dominating.  Funny how many people are eating crow after calling for him to be sent down after the Florida start.  Oh and did I say he is only twenty two? 

The sky is the limit for him if he continues to pitch smart like he did today.  With the electric arm that he already has, the mental side will continue to be the challenge for him.  The Padres go up to San Francisco and get their second sweep of the Giants and now head home to face the Dodgers who have won four in a row. 

We will throw Garland, Correia and LeBlanc at them, who will try to follow Mat Latos' excellent start.  The Padres add three games to their lead over the Giants and continue to be on fire.