The San Diego Padres faced a tough loss on Monday night, falling to the San Francisco Giants with a score of 2-1. This defeat dealt a critical blow to the Padres’ hopes of securing a playoff spot.
Despite their recent surge in the month of September, this loss dropped their record to 77-80, leaving them 5.5 games behind in the third and final wild card race.
However, amidst the disappointment, Padres’ ace left-hander Blake Snell continued his remarkable performance and made a strong case for the National League Cy Young award.
In the game, Snell pitched for 6. innings and gave up no runs on four hits. Despite not being credited with a win, his performance lowered his season ERA to 2.25.
Snell’s outstanding efforts also made baseball history, Per ESPN Stats & Info on social media:
Blake Snell has a 1.20 ERA during his streak of 23 straight starts allowing 3 ER or fewer.
The only pitcher in the last 100 years to have a lower ERA in a 23-start span within a single season (excluding relief app) was Bob Gibson at 0.85 during his 1968 Cy Young-winning season.
Blake Snell has a 1.20 ERA during his streak of 23 straight starts allowing 3 ER or fewer. The only pitcher in the last 100 years to have a lower ERA in a 23-start span within a single season (excluding relief app) was Bob Gibson at 0.85 during his 1968 Cy Young-winning season. pic.twitter.com/Z6VYMoDSvq
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 26, 2023
He has recorded a total of 234 strikeouts in 180. innings this year, accompanied by a remarkable 1.19 WHIP.
With a current record of 14-9, Snell is now eyeing his second career Cy Young award. He previously earned this accolade in 2018 as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League.
Looking ahead, the Padres are set to face the Giants once again on Tuesday night. The game will commence at 9:45 p.m. ET, with Seth Lugo representing the Padres on the mound, going head-to-head against the Giants’ K-card race.
