Erick Fedde returned to the majors to make his four career start this afternoon in the series finale with the San Diego Padres, with the doubleheader in D.C. this past Saturday forcing Washington’s Nationals to either throw one of their starters (Tanner Roark) on short rest or dip down into their minor league system, which they did.
Fedde impressed, giving up three earned runs on five hits in 5 2⁄3 IP over which he struck out six, but a two-out RBI single by the Padres’ No. 8 hitter Manuel Margot (with a runner on second and the pitcher on deck) and a two-out, two-run line drive to right field by Christian Villanueva (that Bryce Harper got a glove on but didn’t catch), gave San Diego all the runs they needed to take the series finale and avoid a sweep, 3-1 final, with a solid start by Tyson Ross (6 2⁄3 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 9 Ks) and impressive work from the Friars’ bullpen.