Josh Banks found lightning in a bottle in just his second major league start. The rookie took a shutout into the ninth inning against the Giants and left the field a 5-1 winner.
Ironically, manager Bud Black had jokingly suggested that Banks go out and throw a complete game for the Padres after the club placed their third starting pitcher on the DL. Shawn Estes was the latest member of the Padres rotation to find his way to the DL. For a team that has played far too many extra innings this year, Banks’ effort was more than welcome.
Banks allowed the Giants just six hits and one unearned run in the game. He struck out five. His ERA remains at 0.00. He took the shutout into the ninth with two outs before Aaron Rowand knocked in Jose Castillo to break it up.
The Padres hottest hitter of the year, Adrian Gonzalez, knocked in three of the Padres runs. Gonzalez had two his, as did Kevin Kouzmanoff.
Emmanuel Burriss was the lone Giant who had two hits off Banks.