The Padres got a strong, and much needed, quality start from Randy Vasquez, who was recalled from Triple-A to start on Monday in St. Louis. Vasquez allowed just 2 runs over 6 innings, delivering the length the Padres needed in the midst of playing 18 games in 18 days. Vasquez was staked an early 2-0 lead thanks to a 2-run homer from Manny Machado in the 1st inning. The Cardinals would respond with a run of their own in the bottom of the 2nd thanks to an RBI-single from Paul Goldschmidt. But Jackson Merrill would answer immediately with a 2-run single in the top of the 3rd inning to give the Padres a 4-1 lead. The Padres cruised from there, with Machado and Merrill each tacking on RBIs in the 5th inning. San Diego would build a 7-2 lead before the Cardinals scored a run in each of the 7th and 9th innings. But it was too little too late, as the Padres started off their road trip with a win over a team they’re competing with for a wild card spot, and even gained half a game in the standings with the Dodgers and Diamondbacks both idle.
You can watch the Padres Postgame Show below, with full highlights from the game and Mike Shildt’s postgame press conference:…