The Padres got off to another fast start Saturday, but the Rays did too, and ended up sustaining it in an 11-4 win.
The output mirrored Friday’s Friar victory, but in reverse; the Rays put up nine runs in the first five innings, as the Padres plated 10 in the first four innings Friday on the way to a 13-5 win.
Randy Vásquez took it on the chin as the Rays tagged him for nine runs in 4.1 innings of work, with the big blow coming in the second on Junior Caminero’s three-run blast.
Mike Shildt noted that his starter can typically work his way out of jams, but told MLB.com, “Today wasn’t one of those days.”
Jake Cronenworth gave the Padres a brief lead in the first, hitting a one-out homer to right that sent Luis Arraez, who had walked, home. By the time the Friars managed another two-run inning they could only cut the deficit to 9-4, on a Mason McCoy double and an Arraez single.
Absolutely crushed by Croney 🤯 pic.twitter.com/VtPXJ0op3B
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 31, 2024
The loss, combined with the Dodgers’ win over the Diamondbacks, leaves San Diego and Arizona tied for second place in the National League West, six games behind Los Angeles. The Padres and Diamondbacks continue to share a two-game lead in the race for the three NL wild-card spots.
Dylan Cease takes the mound Sunday against the Rays. The Padres return to Petco Park to open a six-game home stand Monday, welcoming Detroit, followed by San Francisco.
They also will get a much-needed day off in the middle of the Tigers set, sitting Tuesday after playing 18 days straight. The Friars have yet to announce their starters against Detroit.
Photo credit, inset: Padres starting pitcher Randy Vasquez (98) as seen before a MLB game against the St. Louis Cardinals, on Aug. 26 at Busch Stadium, St. Louis. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire)