SAN DIEGO — Nick Franklin left Petco Park with some nice souvenirs.
Franklin hit his first two big league home runs and Kendrys Morales, Brendan Ryan and Endy Chavez also went deep to give the Seattle Mariners a 7-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Thursday.
Franklin, a second baseman who was a first-round draft pick in 2009, made his big league debut on Monday and got his first hit, a single, in a loss to the Padres on Wednesday night.
He got that ball, and someone in the Mariners’ bullpen retrieved his first home run ball, which landed in the sandy play area beyond the fence in right-center.
“It’s always nice just to get those out of the way,” Franklin said. “Not only that, but to win and split the series with San Diego.
Franklin also got a beer shower from teammates.
“I wasn’t expecting that. But I mean, it’s awesome,” he said. “I’m glad we won. It’s a great win coming back from last night. I’m really happy that we won.”
The Mariners lost 3-2 in 10 innings on Wednesday night.
“Wow, big day for Nick,” manager Eric Wedge said. “Good for him. He hit a couple balls really good. You can see in the short period of time he’s here he’s a little bit more comfortable, gaining some confidence. It was an impressive day by him. He did a nice job at second base, too. `’
The five homers were a season high for the Mariners, who worked over Andrew Cashner and Petco Park in earning a split of their pair of home-and-home, two-game series with the Padres. The five homers allowed were a season high by the Padres and tied for the most they allowed in Petco Park history. They surrendered five to Atlanta on July 14, 2006.
Franklin’s first homer came off Cashner with two outs in the sixth inning. He connected again with two outs in the eighth, driving a pitch from Tim Stauffer deep into the seats in right.
“I wasn’t thinking of it,” Franklin said of getting his second homer so soon after the first. “I was just more trying to stick to my same approach and it hit my barrel.”
Felix Hernandez (6-4) snapped a two-start losing streak, holding the Padres to one run and three hits in eight innings. He struck out six and walked three.
“He was really good today,” Wedge said. “He stayed in his delivery better. Executed pitches, good stuff. Controlled the ballgame, which is what we want guys to do.”
