Looking to put 1st half in rearview mirror
The flags weren’t moving a whole lot Sunday at Citizens Bank Park, nor were the deliveries by San Diego Padres pitchers.
So without heed to the prevailing winds or the shifting odds, the Phillies did something in this game that they hadn’t achieved in 13 years, hitting six home runs in the same game.
Even more remarkably, they won the game, and over one of their few competitors in the Major League doormat race, with a No. 1 draft pick awaiting the winner. Oh, the Phillies have been here, done this before — two seasons ago. So they shouldn’t have many worries about losing their last-place lead, though the very occasional 7-1 win via six home runs is a nice detour.
The last time they were able to hit as many as six out in a single outing was here, and in the park’s first year, on Aug. 11,
ter the All-Star break with baseball’s worst record at 29-58. Still, Mackanin remained positive about the team’s outlook.
“A lot of good things have come up in this first half,” he said. “It’s not all doom and gloom. These are things we’ve got to take hold of and run with and try to keep improving.”
The Padres failed to pick up their first road sweep of the season. They avoided being shutout for the sixth time by scoring off Hector Neris in the ninth inning.
Trevor Cahill (3-3) struggled while striking out eight in five innings. He allowed three home runs after giving up just three in his first eight
starts. The previous time he allowed three homers in one game was June 30, 2013.
“He had eight strikeouts, but he made some mistakes,” Padres manager Andy Green said. “The worst one was a hanging slider to Rupp.”
The Padres put runners on base against Eickhoff, but went 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position against the righty. Erick Aybar scored on Hector Sanchez’s ninthinning sacrifice fly.
“We’re making strides,” Green said, “but we still have a long way to go to be the team we want to be.”
Setting the Rotation
The Padres plan to go with Clayton Richard, Jhoulys Chacin and Cahill against the Giants in their first series after the All-Star break. Young starters Luis Perdomo and Dinelson Lamet will follow
in Colorado.
Philadelphia plans to use Nick Pivetta, Aaron Nola and Jeremy Hellickson to open the second half in Milwaukee.
Trainer’s Room
PADRES » OF Hunter Renfroe (stiff neck) sat out after leaving in the ninth inning Saturday. The club is hopeful 3B Yangervis Solarte (oblique) can begin a rehab assignment later in the week.
Up Next
PADRES » Richard (5-8, 4.66) is 0-1 with a 4.76 ERA in two starts against the Giants this year.
PHILLIES » Pivetta (2-4, 4.73) has allowed seven home runs in his past four starts. Brewers RHP Zach Davies (10-4, 4.90) will oppose him Friday for the Brewers.