Cesar Carillo earns first career win

SAN DIEGO -- After hitting a dramatic walk-off home run on Monday night, what could Kyle Blanks do for an encore performance on Tuesday?

An inside-the-park home run was his follow-up act, and one that helped the Padres to a 6-3 triumph over the Cubs at PETCO Park, a win that also gave Cesar Carrillo his first Major League victory.

Carrillo, who grew up in Chicago rooting for the Cubs, improved significantly on his last outing in his second Major League start, tossing six solid innings while yielding three runs on six hits. The 25-year-old right-hander struck out two and walked four batters, one intentionally.

"The first time it was kind of jitters," Carrillo said. "Going to Milwaukee, it was just one of those things. Facing the Cubs, I was kind of like, 'Wow' and kind of nervous as well. Going out there against my childhood team, growing up watching them, I knew I had to go out and make quality pitches and come out victorious today."

Nerves or not, Carrillo was able to soak in his first win in the big leagues after a long road since the Padres took him in the first round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft and injuries led to Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery in 2007.

"It feels great just to be out there competing," Carrillo said. "It's my first full year back and I'm finally healthy, and finally helping out the team."

Black saw improvement as well, but would like even more when Carrillo takes his next turn in the rotation.

"Tonight, the ball-strike ratio wasn't there, it really wasn't," Black said. "I thought a couple of key at-bats in the game he had to get an out and he did. His changeup today was much better than it was in Milwaukee. He got some outs with it."

Luke Gregerson and Mike Adams contributed a scoreless inning apiece before Heath Bell came on for his first save opportunity since blowing a lead on Sunday in St. Louis. Bell converted this one easily, retiring the side in order for his 30th save in 32 chances this season.

Adams bounced back from allowing his first earned run in 24 innings, a stretch that dated back to June 19 against Oakland. He returned to that form quickly with a 1-2-3 inning to help protect the lead.

The Padres offense fell victim to the strikeout often against Cubs starter Ryan Dempster (6-7), who set a season high by striking out 10 batters. Everth Cabrera was one highlight in the lineup, contributing two hits -- including his seventh triple of the season -- and scoring two runs.



(mlb.com)