San Diego – Diving game, daring squeeze, dramatic escape and unsung hero. Yes, Padres once again found a way to win. They get used to it.
San Diego extended its winning streak to five games Monday night at Petco Park with Exciting 3-2 . victory Over Milwaukee in 10 runs. This time, rookie Jose Azucar Made for superheroes, with two RBI and one in the tenth.
Right-handed Padres said: “We will fight until our last game.” Nick Martinez. “We never get out of it. I really believe in that.”
Given their recent findings – especially the events of Monday night – who can argue? The Padres continue to do enough to win matches. They insist it is a mentality.
“This was our team this year,” said manager Bob Melvin. “One of the factors that make us win some pretty close matches is: we don’t beat ourselves up, and we put ourselves in a very good position. Hopefully you get up there enough times for someone to come along.”
This is exactly how things went on Monday. When the game could have escalated, the Padres kept themselves alive. When they had the opportunity to win it, they took advantage of it. Here’s a look at four defining moments from Monday’s victory — the kinds of moments that are starting to define this Padres season.
1. Kronworth Jewel
Martinez was swinging in the fourth inning, after holding the bases with no one off. Padres is already behind, 2-0. But the right-hander retired twice in a row, then made Kolten Wong a sharp jumper in the middle.
Jake Kronworth, who started the game at shortstop before later moving to second base, and set a great diving stop. He then slid to one knee and fired the first hit, ending the run and keeping two runs off the board.
“Honestly, I was just trying to keep it [the infield]Kronworth said.
Martínez said, “Fire me—I love it. These guys, we’re so tight, I know these guys will put everything out there for me.”
It was a rough start to Cronworth’s offensive season. But his glove remains as firm as ever.
“It’s like a Swiss Army knife,” Melvin said. “Which is a really good idea. Wherever he plays – whether it’s first, whether it’s second, whether he’s short – he plays better.”
2. Gresham pressure
Brewers, like the Padres, have been masters at preventing runs. So, with his team trailing by one in seventh, Melvin called for a little ball.
“I am not the man who is a big proponent of bunting,” Melvin said. “But…if you can run in there – often when you’re chasing that because you want to run.”
For the second time in three matches, Trent Gresham Perform perfect safety pressure, this time hook the game at 2 and keep Padres alive. (The irony on this: Gresham, a former Brewer, credits Milwaukee Double-A hitting coach, Chuckie Caufield, for his proficiency in bunting.)
Like Cronworth, Gresham got off to a slow start. Like Cronenworth, Grisham has found ways to contribute — primarily with his gauntlet centered, but also with his striking ability.
3. Garcia’s Escape
Once again, the Padres found themselves on edge on the tenth. Once again, they found a way out. This time, the right hand Luis Garcia Put two men on board, in addition to the robotic runner. But he put in a great display on Andrew McCutchen’s comeback and started an impressive 1-2-3 double, before running away from the jam once later.
“It’s a huge thing for him,” Melvin said. “The couple’s last outings may not have been his best. … That’s a big deal for his confidence, because this is a guy we’ll keep running there late in the games.”
Martinez in the fourth. Garcia on the tenth. Perhaps it is no coincidence that Padres pitchers keep finding a way.
“You feel it,” Melvin said. “Because everyone has been fighting really hard this year, and you get to a time where your back is against the wall, and you’re just slowing it down, try to make one throw.”
4. Azucar wins it
On another night, Melvin later admitted, he may have called the disc hitter. Azocar had only entered for a disc in the seventh. But Melvin liked what he saw during the 9th Azucar game. So he gave him another role with two sides and load bases on the tenth.
“It gave me the opportunity to step into the box and do my thing,” Azucar said. “That’s what happened. When you have a manager like this, they believe in you 100%. They give you the chance. … When you get the chance, you have to do it.”
Azucar left no doubt. A beer savior, Miguel Sanchez, threw a slide on his hands. Azucar fired her in midfield, congratulating the winning round – only the latest Padre to do his part.
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