Padres Suffer Split Squad Losses to Dodgers and Rockies in Spring Training

Spring Training results may be viewed with a grain of salt, but losing two games in one day to divisional rivals is never ideal. The San Diego Padres faced that reality on Friday, falling to both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Colorado Rockies during split squad matchups at Camelback Ranch and the Peoria Sports Complex.

In Peoria, many of the Padres’ regulars took the field against the Rockies, but the team struggled, ultimately succumbing to a 9-3 defeat. Nick Pivetta, who is anticipated to be named the Opening Day starter, took the mound and pitched four innings, surrendering five runs (four earned) on eight hits, along with one walk and three strikeouts. Pivetta expressed hopes that this outing would serve as a foundation for a consistent season ahead.

Bradgley Rodriguez stepped in during the fifth inning, delivering a scoreless and hitless inning while striking out two batters. The bullpen saw Jason Adam make his return after recovering from a ruptured quadriceps tendon, and he, along with Jeremiah Estrada, combined for two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and one walk. However, minor league relievers struggled to contain the Rockies, yielding four runs over the final three innings. Offensively, the Padres managed only four hits, with Jackson Merrill being the lone starter to record one.

Meanwhile, in their matchup against the Dodgers, the Padres attempted a late-game rally but ultimately fell short, finishing with a 4-3 loss. Marco Gonzales, in contention for a rotation spot, pitched effectively, going 3 2/3 innings and allowing just one run on four hits, complemented by two walks and four strikeouts. Alek Jacob followed, pitching 2/3 of an inning and giving up two runs on two hits, while Logan Gillaspie wrapped up the game with 3 2/3 innings, allowing one run on four hits, three walks, and three strikeouts.

Ramon Laureano shone offensively, going 1-for-2 with a two-run home run, a walk, and a run scored. Bryce Johnson also contributed, finishing 1-for-3 with a double, a walk, and two runs scored.

The Padres are set to face the Milwaukee Brewers at 1:10 p.m. on Saturday. Additionally, San Diego’s prospects will showcase their talents against the Chicago Cubs in the Spring Breakout Series at 6:05 p.m.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.