The Padres lost their first game of the season, falling 3-1 to the Cubs on Friday. Shota Imanaga was fantastic for the Cubs, pitching into the 8th inning and holding the Padres to just one run on a solo homer to Martin Maldonado in the 3rd inning. Randy Vasquez was wild, walking in the first run of the game with the bases loaded in the first inning, and issuing five free passes in total. Vasquez allowed 3 runs (2 earned) in 4.2 innings of work. The 5th inning is when things really got out of hand for Vasquez. After retiring the first two batters of the inning, he allowed a single before walking the next two batters to load the bases, thus ending his day.
Yuki Matsui entered the game with the bases loaded, and got Justin Turner to hit a grounder to shortstop, but it was not a hard hit ball, and the baserunner beat the throw to second base to extend the inning. Dansby Swanson then hit a grounder to third base that Manny Machado wasn't able to field cleanly, allowing the third run of the game to score. The Padres rallied in the 9th though, giving themselves a chance to tie the game or even take the lead. After Machado grounded out, Xander Bogaerts drew a walk, and Jackson Merrill singled to center, putting the tying run on base. Gavin Sheets pinch hit, and hit a weak grounder to third base, and Matt Shaw made a terrific scoop to throw Sheets out at first. Both runners advanced, putting the tying run in scoring position for Jake Cronenworth. Cronenworth struck out looking on a full count to end the game, as the Padres fell to 7-1 on the season.
You can watch the Jamul Casino Resort Padres Postgame Show below, with full highlights from the game and Mike Shildt's postgame press conference.
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