San Diego got embarrassed on national television Monday afternoon, but they were able to pick up their bats and rebound in a stunning 4-0 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Padres opened things up with two runs in the first inning and tacked on another score two innings later. They also added an insurance run in the eighth inning, but it wasn't necessary as the Dodgers couldn't get past home plate all game. It was stunning to see an offense reel as they did after getting 14 runs on opening day.
Padres get huge lift from starter
It was a much better day on the mound for San Diego.
Starting left-hander Clayton Richard went eight innings and gave up just eight hits with zero runs. He also tallied up five strikeouts and walked just two batters. Even more stunning was being able to go through eight innings on just 99 pitches. Brad Hand was able to come in and seal the deal with three quick outs on 11 pitches.
Padres manager Andy Green had high praise for his starter after the game. "The way Clayton threw the baseball today was outstanding. He had command of his fastball and his changeup was as good as I've seen."
The Padres offense was able to together four runs on 11 hits. Four different players collected more than one hit -- shortstop Erick Aybar led the team with three hits on three at-bats.
The middle of the order racked up all the RBIs. Second baseman Yangervis Solarte had the best overall game with two hits and two RBIs.
Dodgers limited on offense
Los Angeles ended the night with just five hits. Leadoff hitter Logan Forsythe had two of the team's hits with the middle of the lineup racking up the other three. That excludes right fielder Yasiel Puig, who went 0-for-3 on his at-bats in the game.
Starting pitcher Kenta Maeda for the Dodgers suffered the loss after giving up three earned runs on six hits in five innings pitched. Solarte notched a home run against him.
The four-game series continues on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. First pitch of the third game is slated for 10:10 PM Eastern time.