With the way the Padres season has been going thus far, they will take a win anyway they can get it. By all means, you will not hear any grumblings about having a hit batter force in the winning run from the Padres clubhouse.
That was just the scenario the Padres found won the game for them over the New York Mets Thursday. Paul McAnulty played the hero, taking a pitch off his arm that ended the game. The final score was 2-1 as the Padres won a second straight game late by the same score.
Jared Banks had another strong start on the hill for the Padres. He gave up one run in six innings allowing just five hits to the Mets bats. He walked none and struck out three.
The Padres bats showed signs of life at last, rapping out 12 hits in the game.
Tad Iguchi had three and Jody Gerut had two in a potent combination at the top of the order.
McAnulty had two hits prior to taking a Scott Schoeneweis fastball off his shoulder to win it.
Jose Reyes had two hits for the Mets, and also stole two bases. He now has 21 steals on the year.
Mike Pelfrey had a great start for the Mets, but got no run support. He allowed eight hits over six innings but gave up just one run.