After losing two straight in Milwaukee (and getting slapped around a bit early in the 8-6 loss last Tuesday) the Padres have been doing the slapping. Yes they lost the first game in Colorado 12-7, but over their last 5 games those 7 runs are the fewest they've scored. Here's today's obscure stat: this streak matches the franchise record for consecutive games in which San Diego has scored 7 or more runs. The last time they did it was April 1996. The first time they did it was April 1979.
Even more encouraging than the offense finally rising from the dead is the last starts from Mat Latos and Clayton Richard. For the first time this season both looked like the pitchers they were last year. When the Padres pitch to their ability, and hit a little bit, they are a formidable opponent. Just take a look at last year.
All of that is good news. The icing on this cake becomes the Padres leaving the NL West basement for the first time since April 17. Thank you Armando Galarraga.
That this offensive surge started on the road has reignited complaints about Petco Park and this team's offensive production at home. The standard slash lines bear out a significant split: .206/.288/.317 at Petco, .265/.331/.379 on the road. However take a look at these numbers:
- Petco Park: 29 2B, 5 3B, 13 HR to date by the Padres
- Road: 29 2B, 3 3B, 15 HR through last night's game.
I am doing a much more detailed look at the Padres offense in Petco. I hope to have that completed just after Memorial Day (if not sooner).
Padres go for the sweep tonight, and their first consecutive series wins of the season. I also have a Podcast tonight. Hope to hear from you.
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