Hoffman got save #501 against the Chicago Cubs today at Wrigley field to give the Padres a 1-0 victory. Russell Branyan went yard against Carlos Zambrano in the top of the ninth inning to seal the victory for the Padres. Zambrano had a no hitter going through seven strong innings but the controversy came in the fourth inning. Chris Young, who also had a no-no going drilled Cub first baseman Derrek Lee who had words for Young. Young did not back down and Lee charged the mound and threw a punch that was countered by Young, the benches cleared and in the end, Young, Lee, Cubs coach Gerald Perry and Padres Ace Jake Peavy were ejected from the game. Although it is unlikely that Young would intentionally hit Lee at that point in the game, emotions were running hot since Alfonso Sorianno showed up Boomer Wells after hitting a home run in the previous game. Peavy and Wells’ anger at Soriano’s tactics were made public and this may have been the catalyst for today’s scuffle. In the end howver, the Padres bullpen held up and the Friars even the series with the Cubs and move half a game back of the Dodgers who are locked up with the Angels at Dodger stadium.
We are seeing the end of a great career with Hoffman. San Diego has been very fortunate to find this guy. I can’t believe the Yankees never scooped him away by offering the moon. Has Hoffman spent his entire career with the Pods?