Padres vs Nationals Game Recaps: Bullpen Allows Game to Get Away

Joe Wieland had a decent start.  He pitched strong enough to keep the Padres in the game.  In fact, had it not been for the bullpen’s implosion after Wieland’s exit, he may have earned himself a no decision instead of a loss.

Wieland pitched six innings, gave up two runs, allowed five hits, and struck out four.  His ERA fell to 4.76 on the season.  Wieland exited the game after six with the Padres trailing 2-1, still very much in the game.  Wieland’s two runs came off a pair of doubles and a single by the pitcher in the second inning.  Unfortunately, the bullpen promptly came in and gave up four runs in the seventh pushing the game out of reach.

Luke Gregerson pitched 1/3 of an inning, allowed two runs on two hits, and was quickly yanked.  Josh Spence then came in and couldn’t record an out.  He walked a batter, allowed a hit, and two runs scored.  Micah Owings also gave up a run while pitching 1 1/3 innings.  Huston Street (who has had just one save opportunity this season) was the only Padres reliever not to give up a run.

Orlando Hudson got the Padres on the board with a solo home run in the fifth.  Since rumors began swirling about a probable release, Hudson has been playing better.

San Diego didn’t get their second run until the ninth inning.  Mark Kotsay singled and eventually came around to score, but it was too little, too late.

The loss drops the Padres to 5-14 on the year.  They again find themselves one loss away from being 10 games under .500 already this season.  Keep in mind, the team finished last season, after 162 games, 20 games under.

San Diego finishes up their series with the Nats and their home stand today at 7:05 PT.  Edinson Volquez will take the bump and face Edwin Jackson.

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