Mike Clevinger debuts for Padres, but earns the loss to Angels 2-0
(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
The San Diego Padres fell to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 2-0 after dominant pitching by the Angels. The Padres only managed three hits and were shutout the day after scoring 11 runs. Angels’ starter Andrew Heaney pitched a gem against a lineup that usually hits well against left-handers.
It was not long, but the much-anticipated debut for Clevinger had arrived. “Sunshine,” as he likes to be called, was traded from the Cleveland Indians Monday morning at the trade deadline.
Clevinger started his fifth game of the season and his first as a Padre. His first inning as a Friar was as smooth as he could have hoped. Andrelton Simmons singled to center to start the outing, and reigning American League MVP Mike Trout stepped to the plate next. Clevinger forced Trout to chase the low-and-away slider, and he flew out to left field, followed by a double play from Anthony Rendon to end the inning.
Former Padre Justin Upton started the 2nd with a single to left. Another double play helped Clevinger escape the trouble, as the Angels tried a hit-and-run that did not go as planned. In a full count, Upton attempted to steal second base, and Clevinger fooled Shohei Ohtani with a slider looking, and catcher Austin Nola gunned Upton at second to complete the DP.
Sunshine secured his first strikeout as a Padre and then his second after that, as he K’d up Franklin Barreto to end the 2nd inning.
You know it’s Upton for you
If you (try to) steal (on) our Sunshine#FriarFaithful pic.twitter.com/hTQpaEB6A4— San Diego Padres (@Padres) September 3, 2020
With Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Jake Cronenworth locking down the infield for San Diego, Clevinger better get used to plays like that.
The Angels once again knocked a leadoff hit to start the 3rd inning, but this time it was a double by Jared Walsh. No DP this time, as Simmons later doubled to score Walsh, and the Angels had a 1-0 lead. Thanks to Jurickson Profar, Clevinger and the Padres were able to escape the inning as Profar gunned Jo Adell at third on the Simmons’ double. Clevinger then forced Trout to fly out to left-center to end the inning.
Heaney gave up only one hit through four innings, as the Padres’ offense hadn’t found their rhythm.
Los Angeles kept the consistency going as Rendon tripled to right field to start the 4th inning. Myers almost snagged a diving grab, but he was inches away from taking away the hit. Upton followed with a single, and the Angels led 2-0 with still zero outs in the inning.
An unlucky bunt attempt from Barreto allowed the Padres to get a free out. Barreto was called out after the ball hit him on the attempt. Although, it should have been called a foul ball as he was still inside the batter’s box. Nonetheless, it was ruled an out, and San Diego was only down two runs after four innings.
The Padres had a chance in the fifth with two men on for Cronenworth, but Heaney avoided the rough inning as he struck out the rookie to end the side. The Angels still had a 2-0 lead, but keep in mind the 2020 Padres have only been shut out once this season.
Clevinger kept the Padres in this game, even though they only had knocked three hits through six and a half innings. He allowed seven hits but forced a ton of ground and pop-outs.
Reliever Matt Strahm would come in for the 7th, and Clevinger’s debut was in the books. His only two strikeouts came in the second inning, but continued to get the most of the at-bats. He finished with 87 pitches, with 56 of them as strikes and only one walk allowed.
Mike Clevinger, Filthy 3 pitch K (88mph Cutter and 2 82mph Sliders). pic.twitter.com/oRp9cawgHL
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 3, 2020
The Padres could not buy a hit tonight as they didn’t hit an extra-base hit or have a base runner advance to third base all night.
The Angels would go on to win the final game of the 2-game series. Clevinger earned the loss but pitched well in his debut nonetheless. San Diego drops to (23-16) on the season.
Next up on the Padres’ road trip is up north in Oakland, where they take on the (22-12) Athletics, Friday night. Zach Davies is on the mound for San Diego against talented lefty prospect Jesus Luzardo. Davies is 5-2 with a 2.61 ERA for the Padres on the season.
The game starts at 6:40 p.m.
Game Notes and News
- Before the game, the team activated outfielder Wil Myers from the injured list (IL) and sent outfielder Greg Allen to the alternate training site.
- Reliever Dan Altavilla also made his Padres debut. Pitched a scoreless eighth, striking out two.
- Padres were shutout for only the second time this season.
- Jake Cronenworth has reached base safely in 19-straight games.
Chris is a graduate of the University of San Diego. He is the former Sports Editor for the USDVista newspaper. Chris is also an athlete and is huge fan of San Diego sports. Chris has covered the San Diego Loyal, and contributes regularly about the Padres.