Knock them in, do not leave them stranded....

Okay, as I had alluded in one of my earlier posts on this blog. The true test in how good this Padres team is offensively will be shown after the Dodgers, Giants, Dodgers, Rockies and D'backs series. This NL West has some great pitching staffs that will give any team some havoc offensively. So far there are some encouraging signs in the Padres offense, the team's overall batting average at .282 ranks 2nd in NL and 4th in MLB. But, one category sticks out like a sore thumb and the most important category ---hitting with runners in scoring position--- otherwise known as RISP. The Padres are flat out DISMAL !! Here are some stats in the wins and losses in regards to RISP:

In games the Padres won...

• 6 for 14 in 4 - 0 win over Astros
• 1 for 4 in 1 - 0 win over Astros
• 2 for 6 in 3 - 2 win over Astros
• 4 for 6 in 4 - 1 win over Dodgers
• 4 for 14 in 8 - 4 win over Giants

Overall 17 for 44, Avg RISP = .386

In games the Padres lost...

• 2 for 10 in 9 - 6 loss to Astros
• 0 for 1 in 7 - 1 loss to Dodgers
• 1 for 9 in 3 - 2 loss to Dodgers
• 0 for 11 in 3 - 2 loss to Giants
• 0 for 6 in 1 - 0 loss to Giants

Overall 3 for 37, Avg RISP = .081, Combined total avg RISP = .247

There lies the blemish mark (.081) to the sole reason why this team is floundering at the .500 level. There is no reason for this team to be at that mark, considering the outstanding batting average combined with the great starting pitching performances. Now, let's investigate the NL West Leader -- D'backs-- RISP:

In games the D'backs won....

• 1 for 3 in 4 - 2 win over Reds
• 4 for 16 in 8 - 1 win over Rockies
• 2 for 13 in 7 - 2 win over Rockies
• 2 for 5 in 5 - 2 win over Rockies
• 2 for 6 in 9 - 3 win over Dodgers
• 6 for 18 in 10 - 5 win over Dodgers
• 2 for 8 in 4 - 3 win over Dodgers

Overall 19 for 69, Avg  RISP = .275

In games the D'backs lost....

• 1 for 9 in 6 - 5 loss to Reds
• 0 for 1 in 3 - 2 loss to Reds

Overall 1 for 10, Avg. RISP = .100, Combined total RISP avg. = .253

Take the D'backs RISP of .253 versus Padres RISP of .247, the difference is ONLY .006. The telling factor is Home Runs, where the D'backs have 17 and Padres only 6. The D'backs homers have been huge and they are not of the variety of solo types either. Therefore, the Padres must capitalize ! Currently, the Padres are 2nd in batting average which equates to many potential opportunities to cash in every game. The batters just need to relax at the plate when runners are in scoring position. 

Have faith Padres Fans ! This team has the right ingredients, just need a little patience, the season has only begun. BEAT LA ! BEAT LA !