Brian Lawrence threw too many hittable two-strike pitches and the Giants hit ‘em. Not particularly hard, but well placed. And in a microcosm of the season, the Padres had chances late but couldn’t capitalize. Down two in the ninth, with runners at first and second, nobody out, and Phil Nevin, Ryan Klesko, and Rich Aurilia due up, opportunity knocked. But nobody opened the door, and ultimately the Padres went quietly, their season following close behind.

David Wells vs Noah Lowry tonight. It’s been a great year; go out and cheer on the guys as they wrap up the inaugural season at Petco. Mark Loretta’s chance to win the hits title has all but vanished. Now we’re pretty much down to Jake Peavy’s pursuit of the ERA title and the quest for 3 million fans at Petco. Assuming ESPN’s figures are correct, the Padres need 79,270 these final two nights. We’ll be at both games, savoring the last bit of the season before spending the winter contemplating how to take this club to the next level.