Game Highlights
Michael King took the mound for the San Diego Padres in the final game of the three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. His goal was to help his team secure a series win. Although King wasn’t at his best, he managed to hold the Angels scoreless over five innings before leaving the game with a 1-0 lead. The right-hander struggled through his start due to four walks, but he made key pitches to escape difficult situations. King ended the game with six strikeouts and only one hit allowed, contributing to a 2-1 victory for the Padres.
Unexpected Starting Pitcher
The San Diego offense initially expected Reid Detmers to be on the mound for the Los Angeles Angels. However, prior to the game, the Padres learned that Walbert Urena would start instead. This was anticipated to be a bullpen game for the home team. By the time Urena left the mound, he had completed six innings and entered the seventh inning. He allowed one run on four hits, with two walks and eight strikeouts. Urena was charged with a second run when reliever Sam Bachman allowed an inherited runner to score in the seventh inning, giving the Padres a 2-0 lead.
Key Runs by the Padres
San Diego scored the first run of the game in the top of the fourth inning. Xander Bogaerts singled through the middle of the infield, scoring Fernando Tatis Jr., who had previously singled to right field to start the inning. The Padres maintained a 1-0 lead until they added their second run in the top of the seventh. Bryce Johnson singled to left field, allowing Bogaerts to score from second base. Johnson had an impressive performance, going 2-for-3 with a single, a double, an RBI, and a stolen base.
Angels’ Response
The Angels broke through against Kyle Hart in the bottom of the seventh inning. With runners on second and third after an Adam Frazier sacrifice bunt, Zach Neto grounded out to shortstop, bringing a run home and cutting the Padres’ lead to 2-1. Hart was replaced on the mound by Bradgley Rodriguez, who successfully got out of the inning without any additional damage. Rodriguez returned for the eighth inning and worked a scoreless frame, maintaining the one-run lead.
Final Inning and Victory
The Padres were unable to add any runs in the top of the ninth inning, which led to Mason Miller coming in to handle the bottom of the ninth. The right-hander secured his eighth save of the season by striking out two of the three batters he faced, ensuring a win for San Diego.
Upcoming Schedule
The Padres have a day off on Monday but will return to action on Tuesday against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver at 5:40 p.m.
