Padres News: Jake Cronenworth Issues Challenge to Friar Fan Base

It comes during a crucial time in the Padres' season.

Saturday was a big night for the San Diego Padres.

They're at a point in the season where they need wins, and they were facing the class of the NL West in the rival Los Angeles Dodgers.

Coming off a loss in the series opener on Friday, it looked like the Friars were heading to a similar fate when they were down 3-1 in the 8th inning and needing to come through against a resurgent Dodgers bullpen.

Come through they did, as third baseman Manny Machado hit a go-ahead two-run single as part of a seven run 8th, and San Diego ended up routing the Dodgers 8-3.

Petco Park erupted during the Padres' comeback, and first baseman Jake Cronenworth wants more of that, giving Friars fans a challenge during the most crucial time of their season.

“I think we wish that’s how it was the whole game or every time we play them at home,” Cronenworth said. “I know their fans travel really well and it’s just who their fan base is. Obviously close to here so it helps. But I think if there’s one thing that I can say to our fans: We feel it when you get behind us, no matter how close the game is, whatever the score is. Tonight, 3-1 in the eighth, leadoff base hit, we feel that. You guys help us build momentum just as much as us. … So please do that more often.” (via Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union Tribune)

San Diego is at the biggest point of the year as they're looking to rally to secure a wild card spot.

The Padres are three games back in that chase as of Sunday afternoon, and decided to keep stars like Josh Hader and Blake Snell in an attempt to go for a playoff spot.

San Diego chose to not punt on their season and keep their postseason hopes alive.

Now one of the team's young stars wants their fans to help them get there.