Rocky Mountain Highs

The Padres salvaged what has been a miserable June by exacting, if only for a day, some revenge on the Colorado Rockies.

Last night, the Padres recorded season highs in hits (22) and runs (15). The runs total last night was more than the Padres have had in the past week. And while 1 game does not erase an 8 game losing streak or a 3-15 interleague schedule, it underscores the odd situation the Padres and the rest of the NL West find themselves in. It will only take one team, getting hot for 10 days, to take over the NL West. As Adrian Gonzalez put it last night:

"I've got a good feeling," Adrian Gonzalez said. "Giles and I were talking about this tonight. Counting tonight, we have 12 games going into the All-Star break.
"We're here and at Arizona on this trip, then return home to play the Marlins and Braves.
"If we go 8-4 to the break and get to within six out on Arizona ... we're not too far out. It doesn't sound great, but it's been done before. I think everything rides on these next 12 games.
"Six-and-six, we're done. Seven-and-five, though. But 8-4. It's something to shoot for. We've created the start."

8-4 in this stretch. Possible, certainly considering the struggles that Colorado and Arizona have been going through. But one thing is certain. This week is THE week to get back in the race. If the Padres are double digit games back by the All-Star Break, let the selling begin. For now, a 7-run 9th inning seems to have given the Padres a small reprieve.

As you know, LCB is a fan of Edgar Gonzalez. Last night, big brother had a big night, hitting two homeruns and ending the night with 4 hits. It does raise the question: what do the Padres do when Iguchi gets back? More on that later. For now, let's enjoy a rare offensive outburst by the Padres.