Hairston Hammers Home Victory (Again)

Scott Hairston seemed like a Kevin Towers reach when he was acquired on July 27th - but he came through HUGE yet again - this time striking a 3 run walk off home run with 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth off Pirates closer Matt Capps - powering the Friars to a come-from-behind 5-3 win. It was Hairston's second walk off home run since joining the club. Understandably, the Padres' post-game telecast gave viewers the choice for player of the game between Scott Hairston, Scott Hairston or Scott Hairston.

Chris Young pitched 6 innings, allowing 3 runs. Another Towers mid-season pickup, Joe Thatcher, dominated in two innings of relief, seeing the minimum of 6 batters while punching out a pair. A resurgent Cla Meredith tossed perfect ninth to earn the win. In winning their 6th consecutive contest, the Friars set their season mark for more back-to-back wins.

The Friars kept pace with the Dbacks, who pulled out a victory against former skipper Bruce Bochy's woeful Giants while gaining a half game on the Phillies. The Dodgers lost again to the Rockies, ending there season for all intents and purposes.