Peoria, AZ – The Diamondbacks have finally built a team around Paul Goldschmidt and if this spring is any indication, Arizona (19-4) will be right in the middle of the race for the NL West crown.

Arizona was led offensively by Cuban defector Yasmani Thomas as the D-Backs out swung the Padres (7-14) 9-8 in front of a crow at Peoria Sports Complex that was heavily in favor of Arizona, despite technically being the Padres home field for spring training.

Arizona got to starter Colin Rea right away with Jean Segura hitting a hard single followed by a stolen base. He came around and scored the first run of the game on a Phil Gosselin triple. David Peralta got in on the action and singled Gosselin home. Following a single by Thomas and a sac fly by 3B Jake Lamb, Chris Owings hit a double to bring the score to 4-0 before the Padres even got to bat.

After scoring one more run in the 2nd off Rea, the Padres broke through in the bottom of the second when Wil Myers hit a no doubter over the right field fence for his second home run of the spring. An error by Phil Gosselin allowed Yangervis Solarte to reach. A single by Alexei Ramirez and a double by Melvin Upton Jr. would bring the Padres to within a run 5-4.

The Padres would tie it up in the sixth on a Jose Pirela double that would score Adam Rosales, who pitch ran for Wil Myers after Myers connected for a single off reliever Johnny Omahen.

That tie would be short lived as Thomas hit a tie breaking double and Jason Bourgeois added a two-run double of his own as the D-Backs would push four more runs across in the bottom of the seventh.

Padres starter Colin Rea, who has been believed to be a favorite for the 4th or 5th starter role coming out of spring, struggled, only pitching three innings.

“Colin ran into trouble in the first, but I liked the way he finished,” said Padres manager Andy Green. “Once the season begins, getting stronger into games will be a big help.”

Rea allowed six hits over his three innings, giving up five runs, four of which were earned.

Notes:

Padres: The Padres yesterday announced their travel roster for the split squad Mexico series against the Houston Astros to be played this weekend. Notable inclusions include Alexei Ramirez, Cory Spangenberg, and Jon Jay. Wil Myers, Derek Norris, and Matt Kemp are among those who will remain in Peoria.

Diamondbacks: The D-Backs are attempting to be let out of their lease at the 18 year-old Chase Field, citing the cities inability to keep the stadium in state of the art conditions. Arizona President and CEO Derrick Hall issued the following statement regarding the stadium.

“The Maricopa County Stadium District has made clear that it will not be able to meet its obligations to fund financial reserves for capital investments, which it now estimates to be at least $187 million for the remaining life of the stadium.”

Hall’s full statement can be read here.

Today:
While manager Andy Green and half of the remaining roster head out to Mexico today for the series with the Astros, bench coach Mark McGwire will take over managerial duties for tonight’s game against the Texas Rangers. Opening Day starter Tyson Ross will take the hill for the Padres against Rangers Opening Day starter Cole Hamels.

Once again, there is no TV or radio coverage for tonight’s game.

Follow Jake Harman on Twitter for more news surrounding the San Diego Padres,  and San Diego State Aztecs baseball.

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