When the Padres last faced the Braves in Atlanta, just after the All-Star Break, they left one game unfinished due to a storm. With the Braves headed for Petco Park in September, it was decided the game would be completed in San Diego.
At the time, the Padres boasted a 56-42 record and found themselves battling to catch both the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers. The Braves were hovering around .500.
Not anymore. As the Braves arrive in San Diego, the Padres are struggling to stay above .500, their playoff chances all but nil. Meanwhile, Atlanta leads the National League East.
The teams begin a three-game series – the last of the year at Petco – Friday, preceded by the 5:10 p.m. completion of the July 21 game. The Padres led 5-4 in the 5th inning when the rains came.
The Friars have faced a storm of a different kind in recent days, as speculation swirls about manager Jayce Tingler’s future and the losses keep piling up.
The Padres won 7-6 Thursday in extra innings, salvaging the final game of their three-game set with San Francisco.
The Padres scored four in the 1st for a 4-2 lead, but the seesaw game saw the teams locked in a 6-6 tie after the 7th. Victor Caratini broke through in the 10th, driving in Jurickson Profar on an infield single to end it.
“It’s nice to catch a break … ” a seemingly weary Tingler noted. “It’s nice to be on that side of it.”
With 10 games to play – and the surging Cardinals, winners of 12 straight, holding a six-game advantage over the Padres – the team has seemingly turned their focus to Fernando Tatis Jr.’s chances in the MVP race.
Tingler pointed to the adversity his shortstop has faced – his shoulder injury, the position shifts to accommodate it – while still posting big numbers.
“I think he’s gonna have a strong case, especially if he can finish his last two weeks strong,” he said.
The Padres did not announce their starters for the Atlanta series – Friday’s game starts at 7:10 p.m., Saturday’s at 4:15 p.m. and Sunday’s at 1:10 p.m.