Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
All good things must come to an end, and the San Diego Padres could not sustain their win streak when they suffered their first loss in five games in a 5-3 game against the Chicago Cubs.
The Padres can’t win them all, especially when matched up against a team with a record so similar to their own. The Cubs have had their ups and downs this season and are battling their way to the top just as hard as the Padres.
Although the Padres may have lost this battle, the team still has three more chances to prove themselves against the Cubs and start another run. After this stint in Chicago, they will travel back to San Diego to tackle the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Along with the rest of their talented lineup, the Padres have pitcher Anthony Bass to thank for his hard work and dedication for their upward trend. The right-hander has cranked out consistent pitching this month, and the Padres have started to take notice.
As of Monday night’s game against the Cubs, Bass was leading the Major Leagues in innings pitched for a reliever. He has played three seasons for the Friars, but has yet to go a full year as a starter or reliever. In 2011, his debut season, Bass threw 48.1 innings with a 1.68/1.28 ERA/WHIP. And with great, consistent performances, Bass has been able to work his way up. In 2012, he threw 97 innings, making 15 starts with nine relief appearances.
And this season, he is working harder to show that he is an invaluable asset to the Padres’ bullpen. Thus far, he is averaging six strikeouts per nine innings and has a home run under his belt. With time and more experience, the Padres will definitely be calling on Bass more and more from the bullpen.
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.
