The Morning Report
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After losing a series to the Giants, the San Diego Padres relief pitchers once again found their groove against the Dodgers on Thursday night and helped to deliver a 6-3 win.
Jason Marquis’ record stands at 9-2 after getting a no-decision. He allowed just two runs over six innings pitched before handing the game over to the Padres relievers with the score tied at 2. Nick Vincent, Joe Thatcher and Luke Gregerson combined to pitch two scoreless innings before Huston Street gave up a meaningless home run in the ninth inning while picking up his 15th save of the season. Nick Vincent got credit for the win, improving his record to 2-0 on the season.
The pitching was helped by incredible defensive plays by Chris Denorfia, Alexi Amarista and Logan Forsythe, each of whom made diving catches after Marquis had exited the game.
Los Angeles Dodgers phenom Yasiel Puig hit a solo home run in the first inning, on the first pitch that he saw, before Marquis figured out the young Cuban Right Fielder. Puig finished the night 1-for-5 with three strikeouts, including a game-ending strikeout from Street, and left five men on base.
The Padres offense was once again stifled by Stephen Fife, who gave up just one earned run over six innings, before they were able to get four runs in two innings against the Dodgers’ bullpen. San Diego saw big contributions from Yasmani Grandal (2-for-3, BB) and Pedro Ciriaco (2-for-4, HR, 3 RBIs), who was acquired via trade with the Boston Red Sox last week and has been starting at Shortstop in place of the injured Everth Cabrera.
The rest of June is scheduled to be kind to the Padres, with games against the Dodgers, Phillies and Marlins. Afterward, the team should have Jedd Gyorko and Yonder Alonso back from injury, with Everth Cabrera not far behind. As long they continue to get solid contributions by fill-in players such as Ciriaco and Forsythe, it should be a good Summer for the Padres and their fans.