Kemp Becomes 1st Padres Player to Hit For The Cycle

Matt Kemp hit a triple in the ninth for the first cycle in San Diego Padres history and they went on to win 9-5 over the Colorado Rockies on Friday night.

Kemp also had a two-run homer in the first, single in the third and an RBI double in the seventh. His triple in the ninth went off the fence in center and he easily scampered into third.

The Padres retrieved the historic baseball. One streak down, one to go. They're the only team in the majors without a no-hitter.

According to the Padres, there have been 361 times when a player has finished one hit shy of the cycle. In addition, 258 times a player was a triple short.

This was the first cycle of Kemp's career. He's been one hit shy of the cycle on five separate occasions.

Kemp ignited a four-run rally in the seventh with a two-out, RBI double and Jedd Gyorko later followed with a three-run homer.

The hit by Kemp in the pivotal seventh was a measure of redemption after a fluky outfield play allowed the Rockies to tie the game. Brandon Barnes' high fly landed between center fielder Melvin Upton Jr. and Kemp in right, with both expecting the other to catch it. Barnes hustled around the bases for a run-scoring triple.

Derek Norris also homered for the Padres.

Recently signed Bud Norris (1-0) pitched a scoreless sixth to pick up the win.

Reliever Ken Roberts (0-1), called up from Triple-A Albuquerque earlier in the day, took the loss.

Nolan Arenado had a two-run homer off starter Tyson Ross, one of the stingiest long-ball pitchers in the league. It was just the fifth homer Ross has issued in more than 145 innings this season.

That helped the Rockies climb back into the game after Yohan Flande surrendered three runs in the first, including Kemp's homer and an RBI double by Gyorko.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Padres: INF Cory Spangenberg was reinstated from the DL after missing 38 games with a bruised left knee. To make room on the roster, the Padres optioned left-hander Frank Garces to Triple-A El Paso. Interim manager Pat Murphy expects to have Spangenberg in the lineup Saturday.

Rockies: 1B Justin Morneau (cervical strain and concussion symptoms) took batting practice Friday. He's been sidelined since May, but still hopes to return this season. "That's the goal," Morneau said. "We'll see." ... RHP David Hale may start Tuesday after being sidelined since July 10 with a strained left groin. ... Reliever Boone Logan went on the DL with left elbow inflammation.

UP NEXT

Rookie righty Jon Gray (0-0, 2.70) makes his second career start at Coors Field on Saturday against San Diego. The Padres will throw righty Andrew Cashner (4-12, 4.09), who's searching for his first win since July 24.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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