Padres 2, Mariners 1: A Win For Tony

On a night full of tears, the Padres managed to bring out a few smiles.

For the second time this season, the Padres took the field at Petco Park while mourning a legend, and for the second time they eased the sorrows of a city with a come from behind win. There were plenty of tears shed before the game as the team gathered in right field to honor the greatest man to ever wear the uniform. Tony Gwynn's presence extended well beyond the pre-game proceedings. The bloop singles and seeing-eye grounders that comprised the offense of both sides were Tony's bread and butter. Our friend Woe Doctor said it best:

First play of the game is a slap single through the 5.5 hole, last out is recorded in RF. Fitting.

— Woe, Doctor! (@woedoctor) June 19, 2014

The game was a tale of two aces, with Andrew Cashner and Felix Hernandez both allowing just a single run in seven innings pitched. Hernandez was the more dominant pitcher, striking out 10 while only allowing three hits. Cashner struggled at times, but he worked his way out of several jams (with a little help from his defense). The one corner Cash couldn't get out of came in the top of the second. With one out, Mike Zunino took one for the team. He moved to third base on Dustin Ackley's single, and scored on another single from Brad Miller.

The Padres didn't answer that run until the sixth inning. Alexi Amarista led off the inning with a single, then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. A ground out moved him to third, but with two down, he was going to need a little help to get home. That help came in the form of a wild pitch from Hernandez. Alexi bolted for the plate to tie the game. A scoreless seventh inning meant no decision for either starters, and the battle of the bullpens began.

Joaquin Benoit retired the Mariners in order, picking up a pair of strikeouts in the process. Mariners reliever Charlie Furbush (go ahead, laugh) wasn't as successful. Everth Cabrera touched him for a leadoff single. A bunt from Amarista put the winning run in scoring position, and a pinch-hit single from Tommy Medica brought Cabrera home. Huston Street came in to wrap things up in the ninth and retired the side in order. It was, fittingly, his 19th save of the season.

Jesse Hahn will make his third start in tomorrow's Vedder Cup finale. First pitch is at 3:40 PM.

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