Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Pitcher Jason Marquis was expected to be the great hope for the San Diego Padres to win big against the Milwaukee Brewers, but the right-handed starter could not hack it at Petco Park to take down the team.
Though the Padres were able to snap out of their funk and bring in a run, they still lost to the Brewers, 7-1, making this their fourth-straight loss and the Brewers eighth-straight win. Marquis lack of command on the mound, particularly with his uneven fastball, contributed to this final scoring.
Marquis himself has been quoted as saying he is “uncomfortable” up on the mound, which is itself uncomfortable to hear from one of the team’s starting pitchers. Though his slider and sinker are admirable, his fastball needs to be up to par. Once other teams catch wind that even Marquis thinks he is a mediocre pitcher, they will exploit that vulnerability.
The Brewers certainly knew how to work Marquis over. Brewers slugger Ryan Braun was able to score hits off two Marquis fastballs, starting early in the first inning. Milwaukee also got a three-run homer off Marquis in that same, rocky first inning when infielder Yuniesky Betancourt slammed the yet another first-pitch fastball.
After that devastating first inning, Marquis was able to recover and play well again up until the fifth, when he began to walk hitters. All in all, Marquis is responsible for all seven runs scored by the Brewers in the game, going 4.2 innings and allowing four hits during that period, walking four hitters and striking out four batters.
On Tuesday night, Marquis will be taking a break from starting, and the return of suspended Carlos Quentin to the team roster might be what the Padres need to boost morale and get out there and win.
Samantha Wilson is a San Diego Padres writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter, “Like” her on Facebook or add her to your network on Google.
