Opening Day Domination!!!!!
Opening Day: there’s nothing quite like it.
Sure, the Padres’ season started last week in St. Louis, but things really started today as the Padres opened at Petco Park. It was an incredible day.
Most touching for everyone in San Diego was Trevor Hoffman throwing out the first pitch. It was a hard couple years, having him gone in Milwaukee. That should have never, ever happened. But no matter what, Trevor is and will always be a Padre. No doubt about it. Trevor ran in from the bullpen to Hell’s Bells to throw out the first pitch. Absolutely breathtaking. We love you Trevor!!!!
Aaron Harang started the game, and seemed to struggle a little in the first few innings. He only gave up one run though, and got out of some jams. He left after six innings, only giving up six hits and two walks with six strikeouts.
The Padres finally broke out with a huge third inning. Nick Hundley led off with a single. Harang bunted him over. Jason Bartlett then walked. After that, Orlando Hudson singled. Jorge Cantu hit a sacrifice fly that should have been a bases-clearing double, but it did drive in a run.
Ryan Ludwick walked to load the bases again, followed by a walk to score a run to Chase Headley. Madison Bumgarner was very helpful in this inning, that’s for sure.
Chris Denorfia singled to bring in our third run of the inning. It was so great. We were gritty, really patient at the plate, and that was rewarded.
Luke Gregerson threw the seventh inning. Mike Adams followed him in the eighth and went 1-2-3.
Let me just say, Cameron Maybin is a beast. It looks like he’s actually going to be able to play in Petco’s outfield, which is so great. I’m loving this guy already.
Nick Hundley was HOT today. He went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored. He also threw out a potential base stealer at second. It was LEGIT. His batting average right now is .533.
Chris Denorfia also has two hits. I love this guy. He doesn’t get much attention, but he sure contributes a lot to the team.
Heath Bell came in to get the save, and got it easily. It was so cool to start off the game with Trevor and Hell’s Bells and to end the game with Heath Bell.
I am so excited about this win!!!!! It was soooo great to come home and show everyone what we can do. Especially against the Giants. We definitely have a bit of unfinished business with them from last year, so it’s great to start out with such a dominating win like this. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s game!!
My boys are amazing.
GO PADRES!!!
(Photos: ESPN.com/Donald Miralle/Getty Images, Getty Images)
Unfinished Business 
I’m glad to see Maybin doing so well. He didn’t seem to be living up to his potential in Florida, but seems he’s finding his form in SD.
–Mike
‘Minoring In Baseball’
http://burrilltalksbaseball.mlblogs.com
I’m happy that Aaron Harang pitched well for the Padres on Tuesday. He deserves to have a good season. And I think he can with a fresh start in his hometown. I know that Reds fans will be rooting for him 🙂
http://cincybaseballgirl.mlblogs.com