By Ron Davis:
The Padres capped off a great weekend in Los Angeles with a 5-3 over the Dodgers sunday afternoon to complete their first 4 game series victory in Los Angeles since 2004. The win moves the Padres back to .500 on the season and keeps them just 2 games out of a National League wild card spot as they head into the all star break. Starter Joey Lucchesi pitched well over 6 and 1/3 innings, striking out 4 while allowing no walks and only 3 hits. Just like the night before, the same trio of Trey Wingenter, Craig Stammen, and Kirby Yates followed up the starter with strong outings of their own, as they combined to pitch 2 and 2/3 innings of scoreless baseball to secure the victory.
The big story of the day for the Padres once again was 20 year old phenom Fernando Tatis Jr., who played an all around outstanding game at the plate and at shortstop. Tatis got things going immediately for the Padres as he led off the game with a solo shot
Looks like the elbow is okay! Fernando Tatis Jr connects with this one for a lead off home run!@Padres | @Tatis_Jr pic.twitter.com/t2ebXjTNL6
— FOX Sports San Diego (@FOXSportsSD) July 7, 2019In the bottom of the 2nd inning Tatis was at it with the glove as he made a ridiculous diving stop and throw to nab Austin Barnes at first base
Constantly in awe.@tatis_jr • #FriarFaithful pic.twitter.com/wrbat6yWwH
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) July 7, 2019As if all that wasnt enough, Tatis added the big blow of the game at the plate in the 5th inning with a 3-run homer to left to put the game out of reach for good.
Make it ✌️ in the ball game for Fernando Tatís Jr!!!@Padres go up 5-1 in the 5th!#FriarFaithful | @Tatis_Jr pic.twitter.com/zLZQqBDrBw
— FOX Sports San Diego (@FOXSportsSD) July 7, 2019ICYMI:" @MLB, Tatis is not an all star...WHY?"@tatis_jr hit a 3 run shot to left for his second of the day and a 5-1 @Padres lead in the top of the 5th!@TedLeitner had the call right here on @973TheFanSD @PadresRadio! pic.twitter.com/5MghiWaqbn
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) July 7, 2019As much as it may be an injustice that Tatis is not heading to Cleveland for next week's all star game, the young superstar capped off the first half of the season in the best way possible, and Padre fans everywhere should be excited for what the second half of not only this season but years to come have in store for the 20 (yes, 20!) year old superstar. National League saves leader Kirby Yates will represent the Friars in Tuesday's all star game, while the rest of the squad will enjoy some much needed days off before getting right back to it next Friday as they host the Atlanta Braves in the first of a 3 game series.
