Sad Padres fans try to enjoy game after D-backs force SS Erick Aybar to pitch
Apr 18, 2017, 10:52 PM | Updated: Apr 19, 2017, 8:19 am
Erick Aybar is the best pitcher we have!! pic.twitter.com/sLM0FQl75d
— Joel Padilla (@JoelPadilla) April 19, 2017
The Diamondbacks’ eight-run lead on the Padres left San Diego with no second-thoughts about waving the white flag.
There would be no over-taxation of the bullpen late in the first game of the teams’ series on Tuesday night. And with that, San Diego manager Andy Green first went to catcher/pitcher Christian Bethancourt in relief.
Bethancourt, who is attempting to transition into a relief pitcher this year, struggled like his teammates before him and ended his evening with two unearned runs and two outs in the ninth.
So San Diego turned to veteran shortstop Erick Aybar to earn the final out in the top of the ninth inning with his team trailing 11-1.
Aybar threw a 65-mph first-pitch strike to the D-backs’ Chris Herrmann, and Herrmann then fouled off a 66-mph heater before finding weak contact on a 59-mph pitch that led to an out.
This was enjoyable … as enjoyable as a shortstop making his pitching debut can be.
Padres fans had takes ranging from cynical to joyous after Aybar’s appearance in the 11-2 Arizona victory.
Even the official @Padres account kind of campy about it
— Jeff Bassing (@bassingj) April 19, 2017
The Padres did a thing!
— Lisa D 💙 (@LisaCeeDee) April 19, 2017
ERICK AYBAR OUR ACE #Padres
— Brandon Wright (@BW_DCXIX) April 19, 2017
If Aybar doesn't pitch Thursday night, I'll be demanding a refund @Padres
— christian🌮 (@chris_rom33) April 19, 2017
This is my favorite Padres team in a long time https://t.co/UIlGHz77L6
— Colton Denning (@Dubsco) April 19, 2017
Erick Aybar is now pitching for the #Padres. Christian Bethancourt, who was pitching, goes to second base. Your 2017 San Diego Padres!
— Brian Murphy (@Spokes_Murphy) April 19, 2017
God save the San Diego Padres https://t.co/qnOmwifyfj
— Patrick Carr (@patrickcarr_) April 19, 2017
best pitcher on the team
— Randy (@RaPHTu) April 19, 2017
Padres Shortstop Eric Aybar is pitching about 66 miles an hour.
My name is Eric Baudour. I'm in section 300. @Padres put me in. I can hit 72— Eric Baudour (@EricBaudour) April 19, 2017
we are a joke and love it
— Connor (@McCartyConnor) April 19, 2017
This #Padres game is…weird. pic.twitter.com/TXA1MFlnMW
— Becki Schildhouse (@BeckiSSD) April 19, 2017
¯_(ツ)_/¯
— Nick Mediati 📎 (@dtnick) April 19, 2017
I love Andy Green
— Randy (@RaPHTu) April 19, 2017
4 pitch warm up! IM GOOD TO GO COACH! Gets the final out
— Christopher Allen (@VideoManChris) April 19, 2017
And my 11 year old son is now managing the team!!!!
— Pete Sciarrino Jr. (@CoachPete4) April 19, 2017
That was amazing.
— Sunnydayz__ (@Sunnyhppydayz) April 19, 2017
ATTABOY AYBAR!!!!
😉
— JULIUS INGRAM 🅰️🅾️ (@fellowJIP) April 19, 2017
And if they win Aybar is the pitcher of record…..
— Paul (@AZPaulC) April 19, 2017
They didn’t.
