By: Ron Davis
The Padres took the Reds into extra innings Friday night, but ultimately dropped game two of the series after Craig Stammen surrendered a two-run home run in the top of the 11th to Derek Dietrich. Padres starter Matt Strahm delivered an excellent performance in the longest outing of his career, pitching eight innings while striking out five and only allowing two base hits. Unfortunately for the Padres the lack of offense was the culprit yet again, as they went hitless with runners in scoring position, and could only muster four hits in total on the night.
Things got off to a rocky start again for the Padres as they gave up a first inning home run for the second consecutive night, this time at the hands of Eugenio Suarez. However Matt Strahm was able to quickly regain his composure, as he dominated the Reds for the remainder of his night and only allowed one additional hit.
Matt Strahm. Dealing.His line: 7 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 SO.#FriarFaithful | @Padres pic.twitter.com/M6UOI0O7mQ
— FOX Sports San Diego (@FOXSportsSD) April 20, 2019.@MattStrahm after tonight’s outing. #FriarFaithful pic.twitter.com/aMbRIZqHWC
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) April 20, 2019Fernando Tatis Jr. was the other bright spot of the night for the Friars, as the young phenom led off for the second consecutive night and continued to make things happen at the plate and on the bases.
Fernando @tatis_jr. Remember the name.#FriarFaithful pic.twitter.com/u5AB6uKfyJ
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) April 20, 2019Tatis Jr. swipes 2nd & 3rd before scoring on a groundout to cut the deficit to 1️⃣.#FriarFaithful | @Padres pic.twitter.com/PqTGrnts8W
— FOX Sports San Diego (@FOXSportsSD) April 20, 2019Despite Tatis extending his hit streak to eight games, the game unraveled for the Padres in the 11th inning when Craig Stammen made an uncharacteristic mistake, leaving a pitch out over the plate that Derek Dietrich put just over the wall in the right field corner. The Padres attempt at a comeback came up just short in the bottom of the inning when they pushed across one run but were unable to tie the game up as Wil Myers struck out for the final out of the game.
The Padres are back in action tomorrow at 5:40 PM as they look to salvage a series split. Coverage begins with the Padre Pregame Show hosted by Braden Surprenant at 4:40 PM, while Ted Leitner and Jesse Agler have the call starting at 5:30 PM, right here on your home for Padre baseball 97.3 The Fan
