Michael King and the San Diego Padres were cruising through the first three innings of their Cactus League matchup against the Athletics at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz. on Friday, but then the fourth inning happened. King, who had not allowed a hit through three innings, allowed five runs and was replaced on the mound by Fernando Sanchez after allowing a single to Shea Langaliers. Sanchez allowed a home run to the first batter he faced, which allowed Langaliers to score and King was charged with six runs in the inning. The Padres entered the inning with a 6-0 lead, but when the bottom of the fourth was complete the Athletics held a 7-6 lead. King came back out for the bottom of the fifth inning and allowed a double before striking out Henry Bolte for the first out of the inning, ending his day. King’s final line was four innings with six runs allowed on seven hits with one walk and five strikeouts. He also hit a batter. The most surprising stat of the day from King was that he allowed three home runs and they were back-to-back-to-back. San Diego came back to beat the Athletics thanks to a five-run eighth inning and secured a 13-9 win in a back-and-forth battle. The Padres head to Surprise, Ariz. to take on the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium today at 1:05 p.m.
