Sept. 25 — Padres 4, Diamondbacks 0

Kevin Correia threw the game of his career last night, a six-hit complete game shutout to pick up his 12th win of the season.  I realize that the Pitcher Of The Month voters are almost certainly going to look at bigger-name pitchers from playoff-bound teams, but Correia’s September has been pretty boss; 3-0 record, 1.25 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.00.  If nothing else, Correia has solidified his place in the 2010 rotation and heck, given that the Friars aren’t likely to be in the mix for any big free agent arms, Correia is the front-runner to be next year’s Opening Day starter.

Since July 28, the Padres have the third-best record in the majors (34-21).  So, in an alternate reality where MLB adopted a split-season like South American soccer leagues, we’d be talking playoffs right now.  Hurray for alternate reality scenarios!

The Padres racked up Max Scherzer for three runs, five hits and drew three walks over Scherzer’s five innings, and while ‘racked up’ may be a bit of an overstatement, it’s still a big improvement for San Diego against the Snakes’ young future ace.  Scherzer had a 1.89 ERA in three previous starts against the Padres this season, and had held the Friars to a sub-.200 team batting average.  Hey, it’s all about the future at this time of the season — might as well plant a few seeds in Scherzer’s head that he can’t possibly beat the mighty SD lineup.  Scherzer should probably retire from baseball right now to avoid years of beating at the hands of the Padres.  Or, maybe just request a trade to San Diego.  Either way.

A win today would give San Diego its first four-game winning streak since their five-gamer from July 28 to August 1.  It would be the Padres’ fourth such winning streak of the season, with their high of course being their 10 straight wins in May.  I’ll check back in later to update this post with Saturday’s lineup.