Young Stung Early, Padres Drop Series

Chris Young looked closer to his old self on Sunday, but was stung for 3 runs with 2 outs in the 1st inning, as the Friars dropped the rubber match of the series to the Rockies 4-2. He cruised through the next 4 innings, amassing 8 strikeouts against 3 walks. Unfortunately, the Padres offense wilted, once again stung by baserunning blunders that have plagued the team over the entire 2007 campaign, scratching out just 2 runs on 9 hits and 6 walks. Marcus Giles, possibly the team's best baserunner, returned from the DL and had a pair of hits with a couple of walks on the side. Like last night, the Padres managed just one extra base hit. They will get a needed night off on Monday, then play through the remaining 20 games without an off day. The Phillies picked up a game in the Wild Card race on the Friars, while the Dodgers remained 2.5 games back, with the Rockies popping back within 3 games. Meanwhile, the Diamonbacks picked up a game and now lead the NL West by 3.