Two Runs Too Many Versus Nats

There was genuine optimism in the air going into this weekend's games against the Nationals. The Padres had gone five and three so far on this homestand and had three more games against the Nationals who they had beaten the night before. Saint Anthony Rizzo has been called up to provide offense and defensive stability at first base and Nick Hundley was back from the DL. Unfortunately, after three losses on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, where the Padres scored a total of four runs, optimism is waning.

On Friday, Mike Morse hit an early two run home run which is all the Nationals needed. Rizzo got on base three times thanks to two walks and a hit-by-pitch but was erased twice by Jorge Cantu double plays. The Pads knocked in their only run on a Ryan Ludwick walk.

On Saturday, fans received free Padres hats in honor of the 75 year anniversary of the original Padres baseball team in the Pacific Coast League. The hats don't really look like PCL hats but it is a decent hat and therefore a decent giveaway. The Padres and Nationals both wore throwback uniforms for the event as well. Typically when teams wear pre-1960's throwback uniforms the result is pretty ugly. However, the Padres unis were sharp enough to use every day now. The Nats unis were just a plain gray jersey with a W on the side.

Like Friday, the Nats got two runs early and didn't score again. Anthony Rizzo electrified the crowd with a solo shot in the second inning to cut the lead in half. Unfortunately, the Padres managed only five other hits including a double by Rizzo.

Clayton Richard

Chase Headley

Rizzo rounds the bases after first ML home run

John Lannan

Jason Bartlett on first

Rizzo's big swing

Richard lays down a bunt

On Sunday, the kids were out in full force sporting wristbands which were the giveaway of the day. Padres' starting pitcher Tim Stauffer got himself in and out of trouble throughout the afternoon but somehow managed to throw seven shutout innings. Stauffer has now gone 15 innings over two games without giving up a run. Heath Bell came in to start the ninth and promptly loaded the bases with one out. Danny Espinosa hit a 3-2 pitch to the wall in short right field. Denofia made a spectacular jumping catch against the Petco sign to rob Espinosa of extra bases. He then fired the ball into Gonzalez who relayed to Headley standing near third. Inexplicably as Cora ran down the baseline toward third, Headley ran toward the infield grass past Cora making the tag difficult. Headley lunged and appeared to tag Cora in the nick of time however Umpire Laz Diaz missed the call and ruled Cora safe. After the game Cora admitted he was tagged. Next up was Laynce Nix whose single plated Cora. Denorfia made his second sensational play of the inning by gunning out Jayson Werth who was attempting score from second base.

The Padres were unable to score in the ninth and lost their third game in a row to the Nats despite only giving up two runs in each game. With the exception of Rizzo's debut, it was a pretty forgettable weekend of baseball. The Nats fans were few in number and didn't seem to have a favorite player. What was odd is to see how many fans (Padres fans or just baseball fans at the game) seemed to hate Jayson Werth. Werth looks to be a quiet player who goes about his business at the park. He plays strong defense and appears to hustle. He was never the big name on Philly and is only known now because he got a large contract from the Nats. However, several fans booed Werth, had signs that said "Werth-less" or shouted out "he's not Werth it." Perhaps they needed a target for disdain since most of the Nats are nearly completely anonymous. I am not a player-hater so I don't really get it. I might boo players I don't like but I don't shout stuff at them or make it personal. If anything, you would think the only people booing Werth would be Nats fans who cannot be happy with the early play of a guy averaging $18 million per year.

Stauffer throws 7.0 shutout innings

Zimmermann took the mound for the Nats

Rizzo on first

Army day at Petco. Creepy mascot!

Padres field a bunt

Pick-off attempt

Deno's throw beats Werth

Out at the plate

JB has a new hair-do too

The Padres head back on the road and hopefully can put together some offense and wins. If not, the talk of trading away parts before the trade deadline will dominate this summer.