Comparing Jake Peavy's start this evening to being on par with playoff baseball would be crazy talk. To say that it is the game that the season may hinge on is also gross hyperbole. The Padres are not on a run to the playoffs in '09.
But in a game that was finished in the 18th inning by a back-up shortstop tonight's match up will pose unique challenges as bullpen options will be limited. There is importance in this "day after" game and it is similar to last season as the Padres crumbled in the wake of that 22 inning affair with the Rockies. After a defeat that used up so much of the team's human resources out of the 'pen, the 2008 Padres collapsed. Today could be (maybe not) the difference between the Padres competing the rest of the year or going into a swoon.
Jake Peavy has no choice but to keep the 'pen out of this one. A complete game is in order, and barring that, he needs to go a minimum of 7 innings or 'pen fatigue could begin the downward spiral of this club (or has it begun? 1-5 at home.).
It was less than a week ago that Jake's illness caused him to bonk.......is he strong enough mentally and physically to take over tonight's game? I know I'm still carrying the effects of a virus two weeks later let alone a short six day turn around. Jake knows he has to show tonight.....
Will he?
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