The San Diego Padres dropped a 7-2 decision to the Athletics at Peoria Stadium on Monday in spring training play. Despite Jase Bowen's 1-for-1 with a home run and an RBI effort at the plate, the Padres could not overcome a sizable deficit. Michael King worked 2.1 innings on the mound, allowing 4 earned runs on 5 hits. The Athletics out-hit the Padres 12-5 on the day. Despite the result, the coaching staff gathered useful data on the current state of the roster. Spring training losses sting, but the information gained will inform decisions as Opening Day approaches.
Key Performers
Jase Bowen was the offensive highlight at the plate, going 1-for-1 with a home run and an RBI. His ability to drive the ball out of the park was the highlight of the afternoon. Performances like this give the Padres confidence that the lineup is rounding into form.
Gavin Sheets also contributed, going 1-for-2, Sung-Mun Song chipped in, going 1-for-2, and Clay Dungan added to the attack, going 1-for-2. While there were individual bright spots, the lineup could not string hits together consistently.
On the other side of the diamond, Tyler Soderstrom led the Athletics offense with a 2-for-4 with a home run, a double, and two RBI day. Shea Langeliers also contributed, going 1-for-4 with two RBI. Henry Bolte added a 2-for-3 with an RBI effort as well. The Athletics offense proved to be too much for the Padres pitching staff to contain on this particular day.
On the Mound
Michael King took the loss after struggling with his command, working 2.1 innings while allowing 4 earned runs on 5 hits with three strikeouts. He threw 57 pitches in the outing. It was a useful learning experience as the Padres evaluate their pitching depth heading into the regular season.
The bullpen combined for 5.5 innings of work, allowing 1 earned run while striking out six. Spring training gives the coaching staff a chance to evaluate bullpen depth, and today provided useful information about the current state of the bullpen. Each reliever is auditioning for a roster spot, and innings like these factor into those decisions.
Among the relievers, Logan Gillaspie stood out with 2.2 innings of scoreless work, striking out three. His performance was one of the day's bright spots from the bullpen.
How It Happened
Athletics got on the board first with two runs in the first inning. Athletics plated two runs in the second. Athletics added three runs in the third. The Padres responded with a run in the fifth. The Padres pushed across a run in the ninth. The Athletics were able to score in three separate innings, keeping the pressure on throughout the contest. Athletics out-hit the Padres 12-5, with 1 error committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 3,099 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was not the outcome the Padres were looking for, but spring training provides a forgiving environment to work through the rough patches. The focus remains on preparation and development, and the coaching staff will use today as a teaching opportunity. The regular season is right around the corner, and every game is a chance to improve.
