Seth Lugo Shines as Starting Pitcher in Padres 2nd Straight Win
Prior to Sunday afternoon, Seth Lugo had not been a part of a starting lineup since 2020. However, that all changed in his first game with the San Diego Padres as he played a very key role in their 3-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies.
Lugo came into Spring Training looking to prove his worth again as a starter. He was strictly viewed as a relief pitcher during his two seasons with the Mets before this year and he obviously wanted more. Catcus League showcased his desires as he put together a 23-inning stretch that saw him strike out 17 batters with a 2.70 ERA.
He continued this impressive play on Sunday as he was able to stay on the mound for seven innings and only gave up four hits and one run. Seven batters also found themselves walking back to the dugout thanks to Lugo.
Few were more proud of the 33-year-old than team manager Bob Melvin, who had nothing but praise for him in the postgame press conference.
"He's been on a mission since the beginning of Spring Training as a starter to go out there and minimize his pitch count," said Melvin. "First-pitch strikes, didn't walk anybody. Able to go seven innings in his first outing as a starter after being a reliever? I wasn't counting on that today but when he came in after the sixth, he felt great, looked really good."
(Via Bally Sports San Diego)
Lugo has historically been better when he comes out of the bullpen, posting a 2.91 ERA in those cases, but he is certainly looking to change that this season. I knew he was serious about this role when he decided to stay with the team in Spring training over pitching for Puerto Rico in the WBC.
He didn't want to get too comfortable his own postgame interview as he stated that he should be playing like this every game.
"It feels good to start the season like that," said Lugo. "The goal is to do it all season long so it's a lot of work to be done."
(Via Bally Sports San Diego)
Representing one's country is amazing but he had the bigger vision in mind when it came to his goals with the Friars and he is already enjoying the fruits of his labor.
Fans were thrilled to see him succeed in their win on Sunday.
