DENVER – Building some momentum, the San Diego Padres (31-33) have now won three consecutive games after defeating the Colorado Rockies (26-40) in a narrow contest on Saturday, 3-2. For the Friars, this is their first three-game win streak since April 28-May 1. As frustrating as this season has been, perhaps the tide is beginning to turn for the Padres, who are still eight games behind the Diamondbacks atop the NL West.
On Saturday afternoon, the action at Coors Field took a much different tone than the previous night where we saw six combined home runs. Both starters in Game 2 – Ryan Weathers and Kyle Freeland – threw the ball effectively, allowing one run each. Still, San Diego managed to produce a run in the opening frame after Gary Sanchez and Manny Machado strung together back-to-back hits. Colorado was able to score once in the second inning and once in the fifth inning, the latter of which gave them a 2-1 lead.
In the top half of the sixth, the Padres’ most dynamic player – Fernando Tatis Jr. – stepped up and delivered in a major way. With two outs and the bases loaded, Tatis smashed a sinker from Jake Bird into right field for a two-run single, giving San Diego a 3-2 lead. From there, the Padre bullpen collectively buckled down and held on for a one–run victory. Worth mentioning: Relievers Drew Carlton, Steven Wilson, Tim Hill, Nick Martinez and Josh Hader were all masterful on Saturday, surrendering only two total hits among the bunch.
Here are three takeaways from Saturday’s win against the Rockies.
Machado logs back-to-back multi-hit games
One of the key men in the middle of the lineup, Machado seems to be finding his swing. After registering two hits and two RBI in Friday’s game, Machado returned on Saturday afternoon with three more hits (one double) and a run scored. Additionally, the 2013 Platinum Glove recipient did well to flash the leather at Coors Field, tracking down an eighth inning pop-up in foul territory to make a spectacular circus catch. One thing is for sure: Machado firing on all cylinders is fantastic news for San Diego.
The bullpen is showing potential
Notably, the Padre bullpen has struggled at a few different points this season. Still, the group put together an extremely efficient performance at one of the most hitter-friendly venues on the planet. On Saturday afternoon, San Diego starter Weathers worked for only three innings before skipper Bob Melvin made a change. From the fourth frame on, five relievers combined to stifle Colorado, allowing only one run, two hits and one walk. For any team to have real championship aspirations, the bullpen needs to be working like a well oiled machine.
Sanchez collects another RBI
I believe Sanchez has truly found a new home in San Diego–what a fantastic place to land! The veteran catcher has produced 11 RBI in 11 games as a Padre. Additionally, he has hit five home runs in that time span, a couple of which have come with clutch timing. On Saturday, Sanchez only had one hit, but it did well to bring in a first-inning run, getting San Diego on the board before the Rockies had a chance to pick up the bats. If Sanchez can continue to put runs up, he will prove as a harmonious complement to the many superstars hitting in front of him.
The Padres will next be in action on Sunday, June 11 against the Rockies–first pitch is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. PST. Probable pitchers for the Sunday’s getaway game are Blake Snell (1-6) and Dinelson Lamet (1-3).
