San Diego Padres Drop Rival Los Angeles Dodgers Thanks to Chase Headley’s Performance

After giving up two quick runs to the Dodgers in the first, Padres starter Clayton Richard settled down.  He finished the game with seven innings pitched, and allowed just those two runs.  The Padres, after taking just one from the Nationals and going 2-3 on the recent road trip, took the first game of the Dodgers series at home 4-2.

Richard was a big part of the team’s success yesterday afternoon.  He allowed just four hits, didn’t walk a batter, and struck out six.  It was the type of performance the lefty is going to need to show consistently with the number of injuries the San Diego starters have suffered.

Chase Headley proved to be the difference at the plate.  He went 2 for 3 with 3 RBI in the the game.  In the first inning, Headley hit his fifth home run of the season to cut the Dodger lead to 2-1.  Headley would later double in the sixth to push home two more runs.  The Padres scored an insurance run in the seventh when Cameron Maybin drew a bases-loaded walk.

After Richard left the game, the bullpen shut down the Dodgers.  Andrew Cashner threw a perfect eighth, and Dale Thayer came on to earn his fourth save of the season in Huston Street‘s absence.

The win pushes the Padres record to 14-24 on the season.  They continue their series against the Dodgers today at 7:05 PT.  Edinson Volquez will take on Aaron Harang.

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