All you need to know, in quickie form, about the Padres' 7-0 win over the Red Sox, complete with BSJ analysis and insight:
HEADLINES
Corey Kluber struggles with command: Kluber entered Sunday’s contest with 15 walks in 39 1/3 innings. He added three more walks and now has 18 in 41 2/3 innings this season. Kluber threw 2 1/3 innings giving up three hits, five runs (one earned), three walks and struck out one batter.
Kluber’s final stat line: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 64 pitches, 35 for strikes.
Nick Pivetta looks strong out of the bullpen: Pivetta was jettisoned to the bullpen after posting a 3-3 record with a 6.30 ERA in eight starts. Initially, Pivetta was adamant about remaining a starter but Alex Cora made a difficult decision and demoted him from the rotation.
"I'm going to focus on helping the team achieve our goals," Pivetta told reporters, according to MLB.com. "I'm gonna go out there and do my job and throw up zeros and help this team win. I just don't think I make this about me. I've just got to go out and focus."
Pivetta looked strong in relief of both Kluber and Richard Bleier tossing 2 1/3 innings, giving up two hits, one earned run and three strikeouts.
TURNING POINT
The Padres seize control early: The Red Sox were in trouble seemingly once Kluber threw his first pitch. After a four-run first inning and then a two-run third, Boston’s lineup was not able to find a rhythm and get in the game.
Matt Carpenter and Rougned Odor lead offense: Both Carpenter and Odor led the Padres offense driving in three runs a piece. Odor broke the game open in the first inning with a bases-clearing double off Kluber. Carpenter walked in the first scoring a run and then crushed a two-run homer off Bleier in the third inning.
ONE UP
Ramiel Tapia extends hitting streak: Tapia extended his hitting streak to four games. He is now only four hits away from 500 for his career. The 29-year-old has recorded a hit in each of his last 9 starts and is now hitting .266 this season.
TWO DOWN
Richard Bleier ineffective: Bleier came in relief of Kluber and the southpaw was immediately greeted by Carpenter who crushed a two-run homer. The left-hander threw eight pitches, gave up one hit and one earned run. His ERA now sits at 5.85 and he owns a 1.35 WHIP this season.
Triston Casas continues to scuffle: Casas was penciled in the No. 3 spot for the second straight game. The 23-year-old finished the game 1-for-4, his lone hit was a single to right center. Despite the one hit, Casas struck out twice and he continues to hit below the Mendoza line.
NOTABLE
Xander Bogaerts hitless versus former team: Bogaerts entered the game 0-for-8 in the series. The former Sox shortstop was unable to collect a hit, he was 0-for-3 on Sunday and 0-for-11 in the series.
Rougned Odor with a big game: Odor was hitting a measly .151 coming into the game. He went 2-for-4 with two doubles and four RBIs.
Enmanuel Valdez leaves game with injury: Valdez was removed from the game for precautionary reasons, per The Boston Globe's Pete Abraham. The 24-year-old attempted to make a clean play on a ground ball to second, but looked to awkwardly plant as he threw the ball then pointed to his right leg. No official announcement has been made by the team.
UP NEXT
The Red Sox will travel to Anaheim for a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels.
Monday: RHP Tanner Houck (3-3, 5.48 ERA) vs. RHP Chase Silseth (0-1, 5.40 ERA)
Tuesday: RHP Brayan Bello (3-1, 4.45 ERA) vs. RHP Griffin Canning (2-2, 6.14 ERA)
Wednesday: LHP James Paxton (1-0, 2.45 ERA) vs. LHP Tyler Anderson (1-0, 5.27 ERA)