San Diego Padres over .500 for first time since 2015
By David Hill
It may only be one game into the season, but the San Diego Padres have gone over .500 for the first time in 2015.
Let us step back in time to June 8, 2015. On that day, the San Diego Padres were down 3-1 heading into the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves, only to score a run in each of the next two innings to force the game into extras. In the top of the 12th inning, after Justin Upton walked and stole second, Matt Kemp hit an RBI double down the left field line to give San Diego the lead. He would then steal third, and score on an RBI double by Alexi Amarista, giving the Padres a 5-3 lead which would prove to be the final margin of victory.
Following that comeback victory, the Padres went into a tailspin, losing 14 of their next 20 games, going through three different managers. A season that began with a great deal of promise, including the acquisitions of Kemp and Craig Kimbrel, ended in a disappointing 74-88 record.
However, that one seemingly meaningless game in a lost season holds significance. That moment was the last time that the Padres were above .500, a testament to their struggles over the past few seasons. That is, the last time the Padres were over .500 before Thursday.
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There are some similarities between this year and 2015. The Padres enter the season with promise, as top prospects Fernando Tatis Jr.and Chris Paddack cracked the Opening Day roster. Manny Machado was brought in, a major splash for a franchise that has begun to dabble more in the upper echelon of the free agent market.
On Thursday, the Padres took care of business. A strong start by Eric Lauer, and a strong day at the plate by Wil Myers gave the Padres a 2-0 victory over Madison Bungarner at the San Francisco Giants. Yes, it may only be one day, but San Diego can enter their game on Friday night and see themselves with a winning record.
Maybe that does not mean anything as the season progresses. Machado himself gave a realistic statement regarding the season, saying that he does not expect the Padres to contend for the division. However, success will beget success. For a younger team, seeing that success in the standings, even if for one day, can give an added boost of confidence.
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Yes, it is just one game into the 2019 season. However, for the San Diego Padres, that one game marks the first time the franchise has been over .500 at any point in the season since June 8, 2015.