Padres take down Dodgers, win series 2-1

San Diego Padres - 1,

Los Angeles Dodgers - 0

Well, I’ve got to hand it to those Padres.  They were obviously reading my blog because they realized the importance of winning a series against a division rival, something I stressed very heavily in my last blog. 

Maddux was ridiculous on the mound yesterday.  Despite his first balk since 2000 (a little embarrassing, but not costly), Mad-Dog threw five innings of scoreless ball.  That turned out to be extremely important as the Friars’ powerful offense only scored one run for themselves.  Still, Padres pitching did what it had to and Trevor came in to close it out (not without his trademark “Oh S***!” moment, though).

Despite taking the series, though, I’m sure everyone on the team would rather forget Saturday night’s 11-1 drubbing.  What happened to Chris Young?  Last season, Chris Young’s record on the road was spotless up until a visit to, that’s right, Dodger Stadium.  However, I partly take the blame for last season’s loss at Chavez Ravine.  I was at that game and, before the first pitch had been tossed, was boasting to my friend (and I use the term “friend” lightly as he is a Dodgers fan) that Chris Young never loses on the road.  Famous last words.  This time, though, I made no such predictions.  So this one is entirely on CY.  Get it together, buddy.

Finally, I have to mention the marvel that is Jake Peavy (I’m working my way through the series backwards, as you might be able to tell).  Admittedly, Peavy didn’t have his best stuff on Friday night, but neither did Brad Penny.  Which reminds me, I’m beginning to really like Brad Penny.  It seems like he’s good for at least four runs each time out of the gate against the Padres, I like that.  But I like Peavy even more.  Unfortunately, some people have tried to make a federal case out of the fact that Jake had a smudge on his finger the last time he faced the Dodgers.  Give me a break…when Jake has his best stuff, he is unhittable…period.  No trickery is necessary and I believe fans of the Padres and non-fans alike can agree upon Peavy’s credibility.  The guy is just plain good and has prompted my aforementioned buddy with the Dodger-blue colored lenses to label him none other than…an “acehole.”  That’s pretty good, so credit where credit’s due, Rene. 

From here, the division battles continue as the Padres welcome the Colorado Rockies for a three-game set at Petco this week, followed by a series against the Arizona Diamondbacks (mebeliwho are currently red-hot).  Since it is now obvious to me that the entire Padres team and staff are reading my blog, I beg you all to please win these next two series.  Please.  And if you sweep one or both, I will buy you all ice cream…that’s right…ice cream.  So go get ‘em boys. 

Until that time…

-Collin Elliott