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The Padres got off to a good start on the 10-game road trip, beating the Miami Marlins 9-2 on Friday night in the first game of a four-game wrap-around series. Padres starter Edinson Volquez had a nice outing, walking only one batter and giving up seven hits while striking out eight over six innings.
But there was a lot of attention being paid to Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco, with several scouts in the stands behind home plate taking copious notes. Nolasco is involved in trade rumors and several clubs are widely reported to have expressed interest in trying to acquire the pitcher through trade, especially in the National League West, including the Padres.
It’s impossible to know how the scouts evaluated Nolasco’s performance, but it isn’t difficult to imagine that the news they deliver back to their respective organizations won’t all be positive. Nolasco gave up eleven hits and six runs (five earned) in five innings.
The Padres picked apart Nolasco’s pitches which seemed to become more predictable as the innings passed. Logan Forsythe belted a 2-run home run, which added to the run the Padres already got earlier, and then Nolasco failed to record an out in the sixth inning.
The Padres scored three times in that inning, and after chasing Nolasco, they preyed on an ineffective Marlins bull pen for three more runs. Meanwhile, after Volquez was done in the sixth due to a high pitch count, the Padres relievers were effective for a change.
Nick Vincent pitched an inning, and then Burch Smith came in to pitch the last two. Smith was slightly shaky in the eighth inning but didn’t allow a run and pitched a perfect ninth to close out the game.
Padres hitting was prolific. Logan Forsythe and Will Venable each had two hits while Alexi Amarista, Chase Headley, and Yasmani Grandal had two each. Grandal, who grew up and went to college in Miami, had a great turnout from friends and family in the stands among the sparse turnout for a Friday night game.
But the real question is for Padres fans that have been hoping that the Padres can somehow land Ricky Nolasco. After Friday night’s game, have you changed your mind yet?
Notes:
Forsythe’s home run was his 3rd of the season. Since returning and taking Jedd Gyorko’s spot at second base since Gyorko landed on the disabled list, Logan is now hitting over .300 and filling in marvelously. There is still no forecast on Gyorko’s return from his groin strain setback in rehab.
Saturday, the Marlins and Padres will do it again. The Padres will offer Eric Stults (6-5, 3.20) to go up against Jacob Turner (1-0, 1.97) for the Marlins. Game time is at 4:10 PM PDST, and believe it or not, the game will not be televised, which is a normal day for Time Warner Cable subscribers. Everyone not in Florida can catch the game on radio 1090 AM.
The Padres got off to a good start on the 10-game road trip, beating the Miami Marlins 9-2 on Friday night in the first game of a four-game wrap-around series. Padres starter Edinson Volquez had a nice outing, walking only one batter and giving up seven hits while striking out eight over six innings.
But there was a lot of attention being paid to Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco, with several scouts in the stands behind home plate taking copious notes. Nolasco is involved in trade rumors and several clubs are widely reported to have expressed interest in trying to acquire the pitcher through trade, especially in the National League West, including the Padres.
It’s impossible to know how the scouts evaluated Nolasco’s performance, but it isn’t difficult to imagine that the news they deliver back to their respective organizations won’t all be positive. Nolasco gave up eleven hits and six runs (five earned) in five innings.
The Padres picked apart Nolasco’s pitches which seemed to become more predictable as the innings passed. Logan Forsythe belted a 2-run home run, which added to the run the Padres already got earlier, and then Nolasco failed to record an out in the sixth inning.
The Padres scored three times in that inning, and after chasing Nolasco, they preyed on an ineffective Marlins bull pen for three more runs. Meanwhile, after Volquez was done in the sixth due to a high pitch count, the Padres relievers were effective for a change.
Nick Vincent pitched an inning, and then Burch Smith came in to pitch the last two. Smith was slightly shaky in the eighth inning but didn’t allow a run and pitched a perfect ninth to close out the game.
Padres hitting was prolific. Logan Forsythe and Will Venable each had two hits while Alexi Amarista, Chase Headley, and Yasmani Grandal had two each. Grandal, who grew up and went to college in Miami, had a great turnout from friends and family in the stands among the sparse turnout for a Friday night game.
But the real question is for Padres fans that have been hoping that the Padres can somehow land Ricky Nolasco. After Friday night’s game, have you changed your mind yet?
Notes:
Forsythe’s home run was his 3rd of the season. Since returning and taking Jedd Gyorko’s spot at second base since Gyorko landed on the disabled list, Logan is now hitting over .300 and filling in marvelously. There is still no forecast on Gyorko’s return from his groin strain setback in rehab.
Saturday, the Marlins and Padres will do it again. The Padres will offer Eric Stults (6-5, 3.20) to go up against Jacob Turner (1-0, 1.97) for the Marlins. Game time is at 4:10 PM PDST, and believe it or not, the game will not be televised, which is a normal day for Time Warner Cable subscribers. Everyone not in Florida can catch the game on radio 1090 AM.