San Diego Padres defeat Texas Rangers 15-5 – MLB Update
Chris Davis’ four runs in the seventh inning was not enough as the American League’s Texas Rangers lost their third-straight Cactus League game against the National League’s San Diego Padres 15-5 at Peoria Sports Complex in Arizona on Thursday, March 17.
The Rangers’ pitchers could not present their basic game even in the first inning as they allowed the Padres a three run lead. This advantage put the hurlers under such pressure that it affected their performance.
Left-handed pitcher Michael Kirkman, struggling for a starting rotation, tossed just over two innings, allowing nine runs including four earned on eight hits.
"I felt good about my stuff," Kirkman said. "That's something to build on. I could not locate my off-speed stuff and every mistake I made they took advantage of, which they should. I'd fall behind and then I couldn't get the groundball when I needed."
Padres outclassed right-handed pitchers Mason Tobin and Brett Tomko brewing three runs to each that allowed the Padres to pile up a 15 runs lead in the seventh inning. However, Pedro Strop and Ryan Tucker did not allow any run, but not it was not enough
to remove the already mountain of runs.
At bat, second baseman Esteban German, left-fielder Endy Chavez, and Davis thrashed about hard but could not pull the game over to their side. Davis hammered the only home-run from the Rangers to Heath Bell, who permitted four runs on three hits in just
under an innings. The Padres’ hurler Randy Flores tossed just over an inning, accompanied starter Craig Richardson in three strike-outs without giving any run. Despite a shoulder problem, Richardson tossed four innings, yet he made some slow throws.
"I thought that was a step in the right direction," Richard commented. "Nick and I got into a good rhythm and I kept the ball down for the most part. Everything has been going well. I am excited about going out there again in five days."
The Padres’ Nick Hundley was impressive for his three runs on three hits. Jorge Cantu and right-fielder Chris Denorfia both added three RBIs followed by Orlando Hudson who hammered two RBIs on three hits making 19 hits for the Padres.
San Diego will be pleased with their performance, as they managed to contain the Rangers’ offence considerably. The Rangers will be looking to improve on this performance and come out more competitive in their next match-up.
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