The San Diego Padres won in Detroit for the first time ever on Tuesday night.
They needed extra innings to do it, but they ended up prevailing, 6-4.
Oft-injured starter Mike Clevinger, who missed the whole 2021 campaign while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, finally completed seven innings.
“In his 10th start back from his second Tommy John surgery, Mike Clevinger completed a season-high seven innings on an efficient 92 pitches. It was his first time throwing seven or more innings since Sept. 13, 2020,” The Athletic’s Dennis Lin tweeted.
In his 10th start back from his second Tommy John surgery, Mike Clevinger completed a season-high seven innings on an efficient 92 pitches. It was his first time throwing seven or more innings since Sept. 13, 2020.
— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) July 27, 2022
By throwing mostly fastballs, Clevinger was able to control the Tigers offense, a unit that isn’t really known for its success.
A Great Start From Clevinger
Clevinger stayed on the mound for seven frames, in which he allowed six hits, two runs, and a walk.
He struck out five batters, and left his season ERA at a solid 3.38, with a 1.13 WHIP.
It was a much-needed win for the Padres, who have looked more like a mediocre team rather than a true World Series contender in the past few weeks.
They are 5-5 in their last 10 games, but still have a solid 55-44 record that puts them in good position to fight for a postseason spot.
They do need to improve that offense, so they are very much in the Juan Soto sweepstakes.
If not, they could target another solid hitter, like Josh Bell.
They are expected to make moves, as they have been one of the most active clubs in trades in the past couple of seasons.
As long as they have that great rotation with Yu Darvish, Blake Snell, Joe Musgrove, and Clevinger, they will have a great chance of making some noise in September and October.
NEXT: Padres Insider Shares Concerning MacKenzie Gore Update