San Diego Padre Bats Pound Florida Marlins, 9-5

(Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

The Padres continued their offensive onslaught Friday in south Florida, crushing the Marlins 9-5 in the series opener. San Diego has been on a tear with the bats lately, and are much improved since the season began.

The Pads pounded out 16 base hits, and sent 12 men to the plate in the second inning, totaling six runs off Marlins starter Chris Volstadt. Kevin Correia (9-10) pitched a solid six 2/3 innings for the victory

 Love or hate GM Kevin Towers methods, one has to admit that he has an eye for talent. Everth Cabrera is the steal of the rule V draft this season, and should be an asset for the Padres for many season to come. Or at least until he is due for a raise.

Rookie OF Kyle Blanks blasted a two-run shot over the 434 sign in center field, a prodigious home run by any one, never mind a Padre. I cant remember too many Pads going deep over that particular sign, and Blanks made it look easy.

KB should be locked up long term, as soon as the Padres can work it out.Blanks left the game early with a recurring foot injury, but should be fine in the long run.

The series continues tomorrow, with Wade Leblanc returning from Triple A to take another shot at securing a spot in the rotation. Leblanc (0-1 14.45) faces Rickey Nolasco (8-9 5.31) at 3:10 PM Pacific time.

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