Blake Snell Can't Make It Out of Fifth Inning, History Repeats Itself in Padres 1st Game

Too many pitches once again.

When Blake Snell was named the opening day pitcher, many Padres fans were hoping he could knock off old habits and finally throw through five innings consistently. He has addressed these struggles in the past and pointed out that he needs to discipline himself every time he steps up to the plate.

Unfortunately, his reputation will remain the same for now as he exited the mound for San Diego with just 4.1 innings pitched and Nabil Crismatt took his place. 

Blake Snell's 8th and 9th Ks. 🦖

Thru 4. pic.twitter.com/8CNMSzx35Q

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 31, 2023

Snell threw a total of 93 pitches and recorded nine strikeouts, allowed six hits, and left two players on base. His numbers and performance were very solid overall but he continued his trend of stacking up 3-2 counts and racking up too many throws overall.

Crismatt entered the game and almost immediately gave up a three-run home run to CJ Cron.

Fans reacted to this pitcher change on Twitter.

C.J. Cron's 3-run HR dampens the mood at already damp Petco Park as Bud Black's Rockies surge to 4-2 lead over #Padres.
Cron was first batter faced by Nabil Crismatt after he relieved Blake Snell (9 Ks)

— Bernie Wilson (@berniewilson) March 31, 2023

Why did they take out Blake Snell smh 😒

— Christopher Stewart (@DAREALPRINCEC) March 31, 2023

the platonic ideal of a Blake Snell start. pic.twitter.com/AFzjROCTYT

— Chris Towers is Still in Baseball Season (@CTowersCBS) March 31, 2023

Control. Control. Control. The one thing that has plagued Blake Snell as of recent, but if that’s fixed, the entire MLB should be on notice. Has the same stuff he always has, and that stuff is ELITE. O 1.5 W used to be a lock last year, but Snell seems more refined. High follow. https://t.co/Ouh7AzOkcO

— joe corcelli (@jcorcelli31) March 31, 2023