Wow. What a weekend.

With all the Rizzomania this weekend, it’s easy to see how the Padres’ pathetic performance again might be swept under the rug. I personally don’t want to talk about the series when you can talk about Rizzo, but it is really really sad that we lost three out of four games to the Washington Nationals. We had hundreds of chances, leaving the bases loaded every two seconds, but you know the Padres: they can never come through.

Rizzo is an extremely bright spot, but though the Padres won the first game that he played with us, they went on to lose the next three. Anthony certainly contributed a lot, but it was an individual effort. He’s currently hitting .300 with three hits in 10 at-bats. He’s also been walked five times, which I think is great. When I was at Friday’s game, it was really funny because I looked at the scoreboard late in the game, and Anthony only had two official at-bats because of how many times he had been walked!

He’s definitely been making an impact, though he has been in a few situations where he couldn’t come through with the big hit. Nobody on this team can, really. But I think that’s good for him to experience so that he knows that he won’t be able to be the hero with every at-bat.

Anyway, I had a great time at Friday’s game. Even though we lost 2-1 (WHICH STUNK!!!!), it was still a really enjoyable night out at the ballpark. My family and I sat in right field for the first time, which was really nice. We got a 50% off deal, which helped a lot. I liked it out there.

Before the game, my brother and I joined a bunch of kids down by the field to wait for Anthony Rizzo to sign autographs. I got Chris Denorfia’s autograph almost right away, but when Rizzo finally came over, he barely signed anything before he had to go get ready for the game. I guess it made sense because it was about 7 p.m., but still, it was kind of disappointing not to get his autograph. Oh well.

Then after the game, a handful of players gave their testimonies, since it was Faith and Fellowship Night. It was such a great encouragement. All too often, athletes are hypocritical and not at all who we think they are, so it was really refreshing to hear some players be vulnerable and real. Chase Headley, Nick Hundley, Heath Bell, Dustin Moseley, Rob Johnson, and Ernesto Frieri (though he didn’t speak) all participated. Also there was bullpen catcher Mark Merila, former Padre Dave Dravecky, and former Charger Miles McPherson. Really a great event.

I hope my boys can have some better success against the Rockies. You know, after Thursday’s game, I actually thought that there might be hope for this team. But I just don’t know what to do with them anymore. Sigh.

GO PADRES!!!!