At the start of Monday's game against the visiting Colorado Rockies, the Padres boldly announced their intentions. Jon Jay lined a single to left. Wil Myers jumped on the first pitch he saw, sending a single to right and Jay to third. Matt Kemp ripped a double past all-world third baseman Nolan Arenado. Brett Wallace followed with a walk.
Four batters. Four baserunners. A two-zip lead. The lineup resembled a well-oiled machine.
Throughout the rest of the Padres' 2-1 victory, they clung to their advantage because of their pitching and defense -- and in spite of an offense that looked more like the one that had been shut out seven times in April.