News
Reshuffled Padres turn to Gaudin
San Diego (25-28) vs. Arizona (23-31), 7:05 p.m. PT
By Corey Brock / MLB.com
06/04/09 2:00 AM ET
SAN DIEGO -- Don't think the Padres won't take a repeat performance of Chad Gaudin's last start when he takes the mound Friday for the first game of a four-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks at PETCO Park. A month and a half after the Padres signed Gaudin to a Minor League contract to bolster their starting rotation, the right-hander came up with his best start on May 31 against the Colorado Rockies. At Coors Field, no less, where strong pitching can be a rarity. Gaudin carried a shutout into the seventh inning, struck out nine and, better still, didn't walk a batter, as the Padres defeated the Rockies, 5-2. The game was a stark contrast to several of Gaudin's other outings this season where command was an issue. Going into the game, Gaudin has walked four or more batters in four of his first six starts and three others twice. Heeding a message sent from manager Bud Black a week earlier about being aggressive in the strike zone, Gaudin attacked the Rockies with his fastball and slider, striking out six of the first eight hitters he faced. He worked fast, relying on fastball command with the use of a slider that kept a dangerous lineup guessing. "He was in control of everything," Padres shortstop Josh Wilson said. "He made the first two innings look unbelievably easy against some pretty good hitters." This was certainly a far cry from his past start five days ago in Arizona in which Gaudin had five walks in 5 1/3 innings with seven earned runs. On Sunday, he essentially challenged himself to bear down and throw more strikes, especially early in the count. "I really put it in my head and focused on it [getting ahead in the count] and not trying to be too perfect," he said. "I really wanted to dial it in [command] and get ahead of hitters and attack. I took less stress off myself. "I came out and located my fastball and got ahead of the hitters. When you do that, it can allow you to expand the strike zone and make guys uncomfortable." Pitching matchupSD: RHP Chad Gaudin (2-3, 4.76 ERA)
Gaudin struck out the side in the first inning against the Rockies in his last start and took a shutout into the seventh. He allowed one run on seven hits in 6 1/3 innings, striking out a season-high nine batters. His ball had a lot of movement on it and he spotted his fastball well. Better still, he didn't walk a single batter, marking the first time this season he has walked three or fewer batters in a start. ARI: RHP Doug Davis (2-6, 3.65 ERA)
Davis pitched well enough to win in his last start, but instead came away with a no-decision against the Braves at Chase Field. The left-hander allowed two runs on seven hits over seven innings. Both of the runs came in the third inning and Davis was lights out after that. The D-backs managed to rally and tie the game before winning in 11 innings. Since 2004, Davis is second among National League pitchers with 173 starts, 103 of which have been quality ones. This is the final year of a three-year extension he signed after coming over the Arizona from Milwaukee prior to the 2007 season. Tidbits
Black said Wednesday that pitcher Jake Peavy, who lasted only one inning in Tuesday's 10-5 loss to the Phillies, will likely start Sunday or Monday against Arizona. That series begins Friday after Thursday's off-day. Peavy was sent home early again on Wednesday when his upper respiratory infection still bothering him. ... With Scott Hairston on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left biceps -- an injury he suffered Tuesday while swinging the bat -- the Padres recalled Will Venable from Triple-A Portland. Venable got the start on Wednesday and went 0-for-2. Black was asked how Venable would be used while Hairston was out and he mentioned that the four outfielders on the roster, Venable, Brian Giles, Chase Headley and Tony Gwynn, will all see playing time. Tickets
Buy tickets now to catch the game in person.
On the Internet
MLB.TV
Gameday Audio• Gameday
• Official game notes On television
• 4 San Diego On radio
• XPRS 1090, XEMO 860 (Español) Up next
• Saturday: Padres (Josh Geer, 1-1, 5.44) vs. Diamondbacks (Max Scherzer, 2-4, 4.47), 7:05 p.m. PT
• Sunday: Padres (Jake Peavy, 5-6, 4.10) vs. Diamondbacks (Billy Buckner, 2-1, 5.24), 1:05 p.m. PT
• Monday: Padres (Kevin Correia, 1-4, 5.37) vs. Diamondbacks (TBD), 7:05 p.m. PT
Corey Brock is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
