It is truly spectacular to think a player can only be good while wearing the uniform of a specific team. That is the case with Pablo Sandoval, who was terrific during his first stint with the Giants and horrible in Boston. He delivered last night with the go-ahead RBI hit in the 11th inning, leading the Giants to yet another win. One of the hottest teams in the league was able to keep it close with their pitching, and Pablo delivered.
The Padres, on the other hand, are a real anomaly this season. They have three players with 25+ home runs, and five quality run producers in their lineup. But their pitching has been atrocious, and despite this stacked lineup, they fail to produce runs so often, it’s like a broken record on repeat. You would expect a team with Machado and Hosmer, plus the likes of Hunter Renfroe, the rising Fernando Tatis Jr., and the power Franmil Reyes could win more. Nope.
Giants Riding The Wave
Despite actually being outscored by 42 runs on the season, this Giants team is two games over .500 and has been red hot of late. No team has won more than them over the past three weeks, and their run has catapulted them into the playoff picture during Bruce Bochy’s final season at the helm. They have just two players with more than 39 RBI (Kevin Pillar, Brandon Crawford), and just three players with at least 10 homers. But their starting pitching and bullpen have answered the bell and have been getting it done. There aren’t too many closers that have been better than Will Smith this year.
Shaun Anderson is set to make his 14th start tonight. The 24-year-old has posted a 3-2 record with a 4.91 ERA in 69 2/3 innings of work. He has struck out 46 batters while walking 24.
Padres Try To Snap Out Of Their Funk
Right, so they have this loaded offensive lineup, but they fail to outscore their opponents most nights. When their pitching doesn’t come through, their bats have not been able to do the trick. The Manny Machado signing has proved beneficial, looking at how he has produced, but it has not led to the wins they expected. He and Eric Hosmer have both been very good, while their young guys are quickly rising up the ranks. This team is really only one to two years away from being a potential contender, but it is just tough to see the losses pile up while so many guys have these fantastic individual achievements.
Like the Giants, San Diego will also send a 24-year-old out there tonight. Cal Quantrill will make his ninth start (14th appearance). He has posted a 3-2 record with a 3.76 ERA in 52 2/3 total innings of work. He has struck out 45 while walking 14.
Padres Get It Done At Home
We’re riding with San Diego tonight! In front of their home fans, they will win the middle game of the series behind a solid outing from Quantrill.
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