Padres-Dodgers: Lack of Offense Dooms San Diego in 4-1 Loss

We have talked about this subject for the past few seasons, and how the team's lack of offense has cost the San Diego Padres so many games, especially those they could have easily won.

The 2009 season opener went like a lot of games did in 2008—a good pitching effort spoiled by a lack of offense.

San Diego Padres' ace Jake Peavy went seven innings, giving up four runs (three earned) on seven hits, while striking out eight.

Just like a lot of his starts in 2008, it was the offense's lack of production that led Peavy to share his thoughts on this issue.

"Today's game was nothing new," said Peavy. "I'm not knocking the hitters we've had before or the ones we have now. We're just going to play low-scoring games."

This offense will score more runs, but when you get off to the kind of start this team got off to last night, with the same familiar 2008 pattern, it's hard to believe this is going to get any better.

David Eckstein was a big factor in last night's game, getting a sacrifice bunt early in the game as was his 10-pitch at bat against Dodgers' starter Hideki Kuroda.

Catcher Henry Blanco also showed something Padre fans aren't used to—Blanco threw out base runner Andre Etheir in his attempt to steal second base.

Three guys that the Padres really needed were non-factors last night. First baseman Adrian Gonzalez, third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff and outfielder Chase Headley were a combined 1-for-10 with two walks and two strikeouts, both coming from Headley.

San Diego needs this trio to be more productive or this pattern is going to continue.

As for pitching, the Padres did show flashes of their 2007 form. Peavy had his bumps last night, but as the game wore on, he seemed to get stronger and his pitches were breaking that much more.

The bullpen looked strong as well, as Edward Mujica and Luke Gregerson combined for two scoreless innings, giving up just two hits and striking out three.

The two teams will be back at it tonight at Petco Park. The Padres will face left-hander and former teammate, Randy Wolf, and will counter with 6'10" right-hander Chris Young.

Game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. PST.