Game 104 Recap-
San Diego 1b Adrian Gonzalez and 3b Kevin Kouzmanoff both hit early 3 run home runs to lead the Padres over the Pittsburgh Pirates, 9-6 Saturday at PNC Park in Pennsylvania. The Padres punished Pirates RH SP John Van Benschoten and he was in the shower by the 2nd inning. Gonzalez had 3 hits, CF Jody Gerut, SP John Banks and C Nick Hundley all had 2 to lead the San Diego attack.
Pirates RH John Van Benschoten(1-3,10.48) has another tough outing, over 1 2/3 innings he allowed 6 hits and 7 runs with 2 Ks and 4 walks. His 9.04 career era over 19 starts is the highest in ML history for a pitcher with that many starts!”He didn’t throw well,” manager John Russell said. “I don’t know what else to say.” The walks came back to haunt him as 3 of them came in after homers.”I kept saying to myself, `I’ve got to find it, I’ve got to find it,’ but, unfortunately, I never found it,” Van Benschoten said. “It’s frustrating.”
Padres RH Josh Banks competed over 5 2/3 innings, allowing 6 hits and 5 runs with 3 Ks and 2 walks. The Pirates hit 3 homers themselves-OF Jason Michaels(2 run shot) & solo shots from 1b Adam Laroche(3 in 2 games) & 3b Jose Bautista. C Ryan Doumit & Michaels added rbi singles. The Padres pen- a huge strength- allowed only Bautista’s homer over 3 1/3 innings, while future Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman only used 1 pitch to earn his 20th save.
Star of the Game-
Gonzalez-3 for 5 with 2 homers,4 rbi and 3 runs
Pirates Notes-
Slumping SS Jack Wilson’s batting average has dropped from .299 at the break to .270…Top Prospect Steve Pearce started in RF and was 1 for 4… Laroche, Michaels and Doumit had 2 hits
Next Game-
Sunday, 1:35 at PNC Park
Pirates LH Paul Maholm(7-6,3.92) vs Padres RH Jake Peavy(7-6,2.76)
