Round 3 - Padres(9) upset Dodgers(4) in 5

Facing elimination after three games, the Padres win games four and five.

Game 1 – SD 4, LA 1 – Tyson Ross vs Zack Greinke

Justin Upton homered and Yangervis Solarte doubled in a run to chase Greinke in the 7^th.  Four Padre relievers throw three shutout innings to finish the game.

Game 2 – LA 5, SD 4 – Brett Anderson vs Ian Kennedy

Andre Either’s first inning 3-run homer gave the Dodgers the early lead.  The Padres claw their way back and tie the game in the 7^th when Solarte triples and scores on a ground out.  In the bottom of the 9^th, Juan Uribe hits a pinch double and Joc Pederson doubles him in for the win.

Game 3 – LA 3 – SD 1 – Clayton Kershaw vs James Shields

Adrian Gonzalez hits a 2-run homer in the 3^rd which is all Kershaw needed in this game.  Padres score a run after Derek Norris doubles and Jedd Gyorko singles him, but the Dodger bullpen closes the door.  Kenley Jansen strikes out the side in the 9^th for the save.  Kershaw strikes out 11 in 7 1/3 innings for the win.

Game 4 – SD 5, LA 3 – Andrew Cashner vs Mike Bolsinger

Cashner throws 6 1/3 shutout innings and Matt Kemp knocks in 3 runs as the Padres build a 5-0 lead.  The Dodgers don’t give up and score 3 runs in the 9^th until Craig Kimbrel comes in to get the last out.

Game 5 – SD 3, LA 1 – Tyson Ross vs Zack Greinke

Both pitchers are throwing up zeroes when Solarte connects on a solo homer in the 4^th off Greinke.  Padres manage to build a 3-0 lead until Justin Turner singles in Pederson in the 8^th.  Joaquin Benoit gets the last 4 outs for the save and the series win. 

Solarte is named SD MVP as he goes 5 for 6 with 2 doubles and a home run against Greinke in the series.

Great series between two tough pitching staffs.  Thanks to Keith for the fun games.

John/SD

San Diego beat Grienke twice.

So they completely deserve their place in the Final Four.

Some nice tight games.

Good luck to the remaining teams.

Keith