Tomko Impresses, Frair Hitters Produce

The Padres pitching has been struggling of late - but Brett Tomko put forth an exceedingly solid effort, allowing just 4 hits over 6 shutout innings with 5 punch outs and zero walks, pacing the Friars to a 6-0 triumph. Brought in to start the 7th, Doug Brocail nearly reversed all of Tomko's work, loading the bases while recording just one out. Bud Black lifted Brocail in favor of sidewinding lefty Joe Thatcher, who promptly induced an inning ending double play. Heath Bell and Justin Hampson each tossed scoreless innings to close out the Friar's 19 shutout of the season, besting the '85 club's former record of 18.

On the flip side of the ball, the Padres managed 6 runs on 7 hits. Highlights were a 2 run Mike Cameron blast in the Padre bullpen and an Adrian Gonzalez triple (yes, you read that correctly), aided by uncalled fan interference and Barry Bonds tweaking his leg. The injury eventually forced Bonds to leave the game an inning later. Geoff Blum added a pair of doubles and Khalil Greene notched another 2 bagger to assist the Friar's slugging onslaught. Cameron also set a 37 year old franchise mark with his 151st strikeout of the campaign.

The wins proved big for the Friars. The Dodgers had already defeated the DBacks, so the Padre win pulls them back within 2 of the NL West lead. In the wild card, the win kept the Dodgers and Phillies each 1.5 games back.

Tonight the Peavy Domination Tour looks to bring out the brooms on the Bruce Bochy's lowly Giants. It also seems that only Peavy, Chris Young and Greg Maddux are assured of making their starts for the rest of season, as Black moves to a "fluid" rotation.