Bullpen Blues: Padres Cough Up Lead To A’s, Lose 6-4

The Padres were getting no-hit through five innings, by a pitcher with an ERA over 6. Tyson Ross, who’s younger brother was drafted in the 1st round by the Padres last year, baffled the Padres early on, and looked poised to hand the Friars another loss. Then mighty Carlos Quentin stepped to the plate.

Quentin socked a pitch into the left-field seats, not only breaking up the no-no, but his blast also put the Padres back in the game, cutting the A’s lead to 3-2. Quentin has already blasted 6 homers this year, and is only one behind Chase Headley for the team lead.

The Padres took the lead in the 7th , when Will Venable had a two-run double, scoring both Yonder Alonso and John Baker. The Padres looked poised to win their 4th game in the last 5, but that pesky bullpen got in the way.

The A’s opened the bottom of the 7th, with a lead-off walk off of Alex Hinshaw. Joe Thatcher came in, and got Coco Crisp to line out to short. After allowing a hit to Jemile Weeks, the Padres went to Luke Gregerson to bridge the gap for Huston Street. Gregerson preceeded to allow a run to score on a wild pitch, then surrendered a two-run bomb to Jonny Gomes. The homer gave the A’s a lead they would not relinquish, and they went on to a 6-4 win.

The Padres could only muster 4 hits off of A’s pitching, although they were able to come through in the clutch, as all their runs were batting in with two outs. Ross Ohlendorf made his first start, and was unimpressive, giving up 3 runs in 4.2 innings. The Padres will attempt to avoid a sweep tomorrow, when Clayton Richard takes the mound.

NOTES: The Padres signed supplemental draft pick Zach Eflin today, according to Dan Hayes of the North County Times. Eflin, the 33rd overall selection signed for $1.25 million, which was 325,000 less than slot. Eflin is a prep pitcher out of Florida.