5 Run 11th Powers Pads to Win

The San Diego Padres battled back from a 3 run deficit early in the game and poor defense and a blown save late in the contest en route to a 12-7 series opening win in Cincinnati. Rule V rookie Kevin Cameron threw two scoreless innings to earn his first major league victory; but it was a story of two other Pads hurlers that stood out. Wilfredo Ledezma got his first start for the Padres and proved to be a disappointing and short one as he lasted only 2 1/3 while surrendering 4 (3 earned) runs. Enter Jack Cassel, who struck out the first batter he faced in the big leagues ~ Cassel, who was called up earlier in the day in yet another flurry of moves, hurled 3 innings with 2 runs scored after he was pulled in favor of Cla Meredith. The Padres used a total of 6 pitchers in Friday's victory.

The Pads had their power swings working as 4 Friars left the yard. Brian Giles put a charge into one that pulled the Padres within one run for his 3rd bomb of the year. Adrian Gonzalez and Khalil Greene continued their back and forth struggle for the team lead in home runs ~ both sluggers went yard for their 19th of the year. Kevin Kouzmanoff provided additional cushion in the 11th as he sent a deep fly into the Ohio night for his 12th of the season.