The San Diego Padres showcased their pitching prowess in a victory against the Chicago Cubs on March 9, 2024, during the ongoing Cactus League games. Key rotation candidates, Germán Márquez and Marco Gonzales, delivered impressive performances, each throwing three scoreless innings.
Márquez, who signed a one-year, $1.75 million contract as spring training commenced, became the first Padres pitcher this spring to complete three scoreless innings. He efficiently threw just 35 pitches, allowing two singles and striking out three batters. Gonzales, a veteran returning from flexor tendon surgery and participating on a minor-league deal, mirrored Márquez’s success. He adeptly navigated through a challenging inning that included a lead-off error, a walk, and three hits while managing to keep the Cubs off the scoreboard.
Several hitters contributed to the Padres’ success at the plate, highlighting their offensive potential. Jake Cronenworth continued to find his rhythm, going 1-for-2 with a walk. After a slow start with just one hit in his first eight at-bats, he has surged to a commendable 7-for-11 with two walks in his last outings. Similarly, Miguel Andújar maintained his strong performance, finishing 1-for-1 with a walk, raising his batting average to an impressive .381 across 27 plate appearances this spring.
Meanwhile, Nick Castellanos contributed to the team’s success as well, going 1-for-2 and extending his hitting streak to three games with a total of 5-for-8 during that stretch. In contrast, Gavin Sheets struggled at the plate, going 0-for-3 but managed to draw a team-high seventh walk of the spring.
The game also showcased notable defensive plays. Cronenworth, playing shortstop for the second time, executed a remarkable play, fielding a 104 mph grounder from Ben Cowles and making a swift throw to first base for the out. Andújar, who has played multiple positions, made his first error of the spring in his second start at third base.
The bullpen also delivered solid performances, with Adrian Morejón striking out three of the four batters he faced in the seventh inning. Jeremiah Estrada issued a two-out walk but closed the eighth with his second strikeout, maintaining a strong spring record of six strikeouts against 18 batters faced, alongside five walks and only one hit allowed.
As the Padres continue their preparations for the upcoming season, Michael King is set to make his third start of the spring against the Cubs on March 10, 2024, at 12:05 p.m. PT in Goodyear, Arizona. The team’s focus remains on solidifying their rotation ahead of the regular season, with competition heating up among the candidates.