Clayton Richard says the San Diego Padres now have enough punch to make late-game comebacks.
That offense has the Padres playing like they can escape last place in the NL West.
Hunter Renfroe hit a go-ahead Barry Sanders Jersey , two-run single in San Diego’s five-run seventh inning, Freddy Galvis had a three-run homer and went 5 for 5, and the Padres beat the Atlanta Braves 9-3 on Friday night.
”I think we have the ability to add late at the plate and that’s huge,” Richard said, adding newcomers Galvis and Eric Hosmer ”add such professionalism. They’re not going to give in. That definitely has carried over to other players.”
The Padres, who have split the first two games of the four-game series, are trying to win their sixth straight series.
Richard (6-6) allowed three runs, two earned, on six hits in six innings. Luis Castillo closed the game with two scoreless innings.
Freddie Freeman’s 15th homer gave Atlanta a 3-2 lead in the fifth. Jose Pirela hit a two-run homer for San Diego in the first.
Sam Freeman (1-3) gave up three runs in the seventh.
Before Renfroe’s single, the Padres were on the verge of wasting a bases-loaded, no-out opportunity for the second time in the game.
Pirela grounded into a double play in which pinch-runner Cory Spangenberg was forced out at the plate.
Renfroe then hit Freeman’s 1-2 pitch up the middle , driving in Travis Jankowski and Eric Hosmer.
Galvis added a three-run homer just beyond the reach of leaping centerfielder Ender Inciarte, off Peter Moylan.
”We walked too many guys in that inning Adidas Mark Stone Jersey ,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker, referring to passes issued by Sam Freeman and Moylan.
Galvis had a run-scoring single, giving him four RBIs, in the ninth. The five hits were a career high.
Brandon McCarthy allowed two runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings.
Home plate umpire Joe West ejected Padres manager Andy Green in the fourth after arguing West’s changed call on an apparent strikeout by Ozzie Albies. West initially clinched his right fist as if to call Albies out. He then changed his mind, apparently thinking Albies tipped the ball – which was not caught by catcher Raffy Lopez before it hit the dirt.
Green argued and was headed back to the dugout when he was tossed by West. Green then turned back toward the plate and threw his cap in the general direction of West before engaging the umpire in a more spirited argument. First-base umpire Doug Eddings eventually stepped between Green and West and helped to point the manager back toward the dugout.
”I think I’ve said absolutely everything I want to say about umpires,” Green said.
It was the second straight game Green had issues with an umpire’s call. He was upset after a video review confirmed Tyler Flowers was hit by a pitch in the Braves’ 4-2 win on Thursday night.
It was the Braves’ turn to complain in the ninth when a video review failed to overturn a safe call on Renfroe’s slide at second base. Umpires ruled shortstop Dansby Swanson failed to touch second base before throwing to first on Castillo’s grounder.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Padres: After throwing four hitless innings in a rehab start Thursday night for Class-A Lake Elsinore, LHP Joey Lucchesi (right hip strain) will throw a bullpen session on Saturday which will determine if he’s ready to come off the DL. Lucchesi, who has been out since May 15, could start on Tuesday or Wednesday against Oakland, or he could make another rehab start.
Braves: RHP Mike Foltynewicz, who left Saturday’s start with triceps tightness, felt good after playing catch. The team won’t make a decision about his next start until he throws off a mound. … OF Ronald Acuna Jr. (left knee sprain) ran the bases and took grounders and fly balls in left field. He will test the knee by running harder on Saturday.
HOT HITTER
Freddie Freeman’s homer gave him hits in 25 of his last 26 games. He leads the NL with his .342 batting average and 90 hits. He also ranks among the league leaders with his 15 homers and 49 RBIs. He has hit eight homers off left-handers.
Padres: RHP Jordan Lyles will make his eighth start of the season – his high mark since 10 starts with Colorado in 2015 – as the four-game series continues on Saturday.
Braves: LHP Sean Newcomb will look for his eighth win as he makes his second start of the season against the Padres. He pitched six scoreless innings in a 14-1 win at San Diego on June 5.
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r Bowl benching point to exit for him and opening at cornerback. New England likes Burkhead and got big production in 2017 from Lewis. Both are just 27 years old, but Patriots likely won’t stand pat after disappointing season by 2017 free agency pickup Mike Gillislee. Linebacking core needs some help with Harrison unlikely to be re-signed at age 39 and starter Dont’a Hightower coming off shoulder surgery. Getting another player to pair with Trey Flowers at defensive end will be another priority.
AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $14.7 million.
NEW YORK JETS (5-11)
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: QB Josh McCown; CB Morris Claiborne; C Wesley Johnson, TEs Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Chris Gragg; LBs Demario Davis, Bruce Carter, Julian Stanford, and David Bass; S Terrence Brooks; PK Chandler Catanzaro; DLs Kony Ealy and Ed Stinson; DT Mike Pennel; OLs Jonotthan Harrison, Ben Ijalana and Dakota Dozier.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WR Quincy Enunwa; S Rontez Miles; OL Brent Qvale; TE Neal Sterling; DL Xavier Cooper.
NEEDS: It’s all about finding quarterback, running theme for this franchise for, well, decades. New York will be in Kirk Cousins sweepstakes and has money it would take to land him. But will the former Washington QB want team that has failed to make playoffs for seven straight seasons and underwent massive rebuild last year? Jets have new offensive coordinator in former QBs coach Jeremy Bates, who runs Mike and Kyle Shanahan-style system Cousins learned during his first two seasons in league. If Jets whiff on Cousins, there’s good chance McCown will be back to mentor whomever New York takes with its first draft pick at No. 6 overall. Plenty of holes elsewhere, although Jets are interested in re-signing Claiborne Adidas Matt Duchene Jersey , Seferian-Jenkins and Davis as core players. Help on offensive line, namely at center, proven pass rusher and cornerback will also be high priorities for GM Mike Maccagnan. Running back Matt Forte is retired, so Jets might look for some depth in backfield, as well as on defensive line after releasing disappointing Muhammad Wilkerson.
AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $90 million.
OAKLAND RAIDERS (6-10)
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: Ss Reggie Nelson and Keith McGill; LB NaVorro Bowman; CB TJ Carrie; K Sebastian Janikowski; DT Justin Ellis; DL Denico Autry; TE Lee Smith; QB E.J. Manuel; LS Jon Condo.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
NEEDS: Coach Jon Gruden takes over team coming off disappointing season with many holes. There could be even more voids if Raiders choose to release several high-priced veterans to create even more cap room. Biggest holes right now are on defense; Raiders must upgrade at linebacker and in secondary, as well as find pass rush help for Khalil Mack. Oakland also would like to add at least one more receiver, along with possible upgrade at tackle. Another question is at running back; keep Marshawn Lynch and his $6 million salary or find starter in free agency or draft?
AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $16 million.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (13-4)
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LB Arthur Moats; G Chris Hubbard; WR Justin Hunter; LB Sean Spence; RBs Stevan Ridley and RB Fitz Toussaint; DT Daniel McCullers; S Daimion Stafford.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: K Chris Boswell; LB Anthony Chickillo; WR Eli Rogers.
NEEDS: Two-time defending AFC North champions need help at inside linebacker with Ryan Shazier already ruled out for 2018 with spinal injury. Pittsburgh’s defense sagged late in season without Shazier and was shredded by Jacksonville in stunning home playoff loss. Depth at running back is also concern with Le’Veon Bell’s long-term status uncertain after team placed franchise tag on him for second straight spring. Steelers as usual are right up against cap; contract restructuring and cutting some veterans would give them wiggle room if needed. They could even sign marquee player if they opted to pull back franchise tag on Bell, which would free up $14.5 million in cap space off top.
AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $1 million.
TENNESSEE TITANS (10-8)
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LBs Avery Williamson and Erik Walden; WRs Eric Decker and Harry Douglas; DE DaQuan Jones; CB Brice McCain; G Josh Kline; C Brian Schwenke; QB Brandon Weeden.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: G Quinton Spain; DE David King; CB Curtis Riley.
NEEDS: Now that QB Matt Cassel is being released, upgrading Marcus Mariota’s backup is crucial after Titans lost one game Cassel started last season. Both starting guards also are hitting market, though any offer to Spain can be matched, with Titans possibly looking at options after run game slumped from first in AFC to 15th. Wide receiver is must with Decker hitting market after ranking second with 54 catches. Money seems biggest obstacle for Titans keeping pair of defensive starters in Williamson and Jones, who was playing his best when he tore biceps.
AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $59 million.