Cody Ransom Leads Cubs Past His Former Padres

Cody Ransom went 0 for 11 for the Padres to start 2013 before being cut in favor of starter Chase Headley, who returned from injury. Ransom was picked up by the Cubs and on Monday night he had a chance to take on his former mates. With the Cubs down 1-0 thanks to a pair of wild pitches by Jeff Samardzija in the first, Ransom joined in on some long ball action to pick up his starting pitcher.

Apr 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Cody Ransom (middle) throws to first base for the final out of the top of the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Scott Hairston tied the game at one with a line drive homer down the left field line and Ransom made it back to back jacks to give the Cubs a 2-1 lead. Darwin Barney added an insurance run in the fourth, coming through with a two out double with a RISP. Unfortunately the Padres answered with two runs of their own in the top of the fifth to knot the game at three.

Samardzija did not get the chance to start the sixth inning due to pitch count and unfortunately was left with a no decision. Ransom put the Cubs ahead again with a RBI single in the bottom of the frame and his infield mate Barney made it 5-3 with another RBI double with two outs.

The Cubs bullpen held down the Padres the rest of the way to earn Michael Bowden the W, with Ransom stealing the show on defense a couple times as well. Kevin Gregg came in for a four out save and was perfect, picking up his fourth save already in his short time as a Cubs this season. Players tend to have a little extra in the tank against their former team and Ransom certainly came to play against the Padres on Monday night.