Will Venable has been absolutely crushing it the past couple of weeks. Since the start of August, he has hit safely in every game, resulting in a career-high 15-game hitting streak. That's the longest active streak in the majors and the longest streak for a Padre since Rondell White's 16-game run in 2003. During that 15-game stretch, Venable is hitting .377 with four doubles, two triples, and five home runs. He also collected four stolen bases during his streak, bringing his career total to 100.
Yesterday was no different. Venable helped lead the Padres to a win over the Mets in the series finale, securing the four-game split. He did it with both his bat and his glove.
It all started with his RBI infield single in the 5th inning. Venable lobbed the ball and it bounced off the tip of Matt Harvey's glove, allowing Venable to beat out the throw at first. It also allowed Logan Forsythe to scored from third base and put the Padres on the board.
In the top of the 8th, Venable made a great grab on a long fly ball off the bat of Marlon Byrd. It saved, at the very least, an extra base hit, but possibly a home run.
The Padres tied it up in the bottom of the 8th, but Venable was not in the mood for bonus baseball. He hit the ball deep to right field for his first career walkoff homer.
He greeted his team at home plate.
And then he got showered in ice water and Gatorade as Kelly Crull slowly backed away to avoid the beverage bath.
Keep swinging that hot bat and chasing after those balls, Will. We've ALWAYS loved you.