Former Cardinal outfielder Ryan Ludwick hit a two run homer in the first inning, his 10th of the season to help propel the San Diego Padres to a 4-3 win over the Royals Monday Night at Petco Park.
The Padres continued their domination of Jeff Francis (3-9), the former division foe with Colorado, who allowed four runs, three earned, and five hits in five innings.
Francis dropped to 5-13 with a 5.65 ERA in 22 career starts against San Diego. Francis is winless in his last six starts against San Diego. At Petco Park, he’s 3-7 with a 5.27 ERA in 12 starts.
Ludwick was denied another RBI later in the game, when left fielder Alex Gordon got his 13th assist of the season on a play at the plate in the bottom of the third. Chase Headley was thrown out trying to score. The Royals have thrown out 16 runners at the plate, including four in the last five games.
Eric Hosmer had a sac fly RBI in the third, and the Royals pulled to 4-3 with one out in the sixth on Pena’s two-run double down the right-field line to score Gordon and Jeff Francoeur, who opened the inning with singles. Gordon now has a 14 game hitting streak.
