Throughout opening week, the San Diego Padres started their season off strong as they beat the Arizona Diamond Backs 3 out of the 4 games during the series. On opening day, Yu Darvish pitched a phenomenal game though 6 straight innings without allowing any hits. During the game, Madison Bumgarner who pitches for the D-Backs pitched great through 3 innings allowing a double to Eric Hosmer during the first inning. Bumgarner was taken out of the game after the third inning because he walked four batters. In the fourth inning, the D-Backs brought in Luke Weaver to relieve Bumgarner and he was taken out of the game during the fourth inning after he gave up three hits including an RBI single to Austin Nola. In the sixth inning, the Padres used their bullpen that gave up two hits including a single to Pavin Smith. Throughout the rest of the game, the D-Backs used their bullpen and their pitchers did a terrific job not allowing any hits. Unfortunately, the Padres gave up the lead in the 9th inning as Robert Suarez walked two batters and hit one. Craig Stammen came in to replace Suarez and he threw a wild pitch that scored a run and gave up a three run home run to Seth Beer on national beer day.

Game 2: Friday April 8th

After the upsetting game, the Padres redeemed themselves better than ever. Sean Manaea, who the Padres received during spring training, pitched an incredible game though the 7th inning without allowing any hits. Merrill Kelly who pitches for the D-Backs pitched a great game through the fourth inning allowing four hits including a single to Manny Machado in the first inning. During the game, the Padres brought up three new prospects to the big leagues: Jose Azocar, Jorge Alfaro, and CJ Abrams. During the fifth inning, the D-Backs used their bullpen for the rest of the game and their pitchers did awesome allowing four hits to the padres including a home run to Jurickson Profar in the sixth inning. After the seventh inning, the Padres used their bullpen that allowed two hits including a single to David Peralta. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Taylor Rodgers, who the Padres acquired from the Minnesota twins, pitched an amazing inning without allowing any hits and secured the Padres first win of the year. Congratulations Abrams, Azocar, and Alfaro on making it to the big leagues and best of luck for the future.

Game 3: Saturday April 9th

During the next game, the Padres did an outstanding job as they were able to defeat the D-Backs once again. Joe Musgrove pitched an excellent game through six innings allowing 5 hits and 2 runs including an RBI double to David Peralta in the first inning and a home run to Peralta in the sixth inning. Throughout the game, Zach Davies pitched great through the fifth inning allowing four hits including an RBI double to Machado in the third inning. After the sixth inning, the Padres used their bullpen which did a fantastic job not allowing any hits. Throughout the rest of the game, the D-Backs used their bullpen and their pitchers struggled and gave up five hits to the Padres including a double to Will Myers and an RBI single to Erick Hosmer. During the ninth inning, Mark Melancon, who used to be a Padre but was traded to the D-Backs, came in to relive the bullpen and gave up a single to Abrams and an RBI single to Azocar. During the bottom of the ninth inning, Rodgers came in to replace the Padres bullpen and did an impressive job not allowing any hits.

Game 4: Sunday April 10th

As the Padres closed the series with the D-Backs, the last game was one to remember since the Padres put on quite the show for the fans to enjoy at home. Blake Snell, who was supposed to start the game, got pulled last minute due to a left adductor strain so Nabil Crismatt came in to replace him. Crismatt pitched fantastic through four innings allowing a double to Ketel Marte in the first inning. Caleb Smith, who is a pitcher for the D-Backs, struggled and was taken out of the game after giving up a grand slam to Jurickson Profar in the second inning. During the second inning, Corbin Burns came into the game to replace Smith and pitched through the sixth inning allowing two hits including a triple to Ha-Seoung Kim. Throughout the majority of the game, the Padres used their effective bullpen until Robert Suarez gave up a home run to Christian Walker in the sixth inning. After the fifth inning, the D-Backs used their bullpen which allowed two hits including an RBI Double to Machado in the sixth inning. During the 9th inning, the D-Backs tried to pull off a win as Javy Guerra gave up an RBI single to Drew Ellis and a three run home run to Cooper Hummel, but the Padres beat the D-backs 10-5.

In conclusion, the Padres did amazing job throughout this series as they were able to defeat the D-Backs three out of the four games. Personally, I think the Padres have a very bright future ahead of them and hopefully make it to the play offs.