BEST OF THE DAY
Rangers 11, Padres 0
SAN DIEGO — A.J. Griffin had an eventful two days back in San Diego, from visiting Balboa Park with his father to dominating his hometown Padres with a fourhitter for his second career shutout.
With Griffin, far right, rolling, Joey Gallo and Ryan Rua homered off Jered Weaver, and Robinson Chirinos also went deep as the Rangers routed San Diego 11-0 Tuesday to stop a three-game losing streak.
“I haven’t played a baseball game in San Diego in seven years now, which is kind of crazy if you think about that. It was really cool,” said Griffin, who played at Grossmont High in suburban El Cajon and then at the University of San Diego before starting his pro career with the A’s organization.
Griffin (4-0) was pitching against the Padres for the first time. All four hits off Griffin were singles, and San Diego got only one runner as far as third base. Griffin struck out four and walked one.
His parents and some friends were at the matinee game.
“My mom was pretty excited — a little more excited than me, believe it or not. But that’s what moms do, I feel like,” Griffin said.
It was the fourth time this season Griffin ended a team losing streak of three or more games.