Richard, Villanueva help Padres shut out Rockies

Richard, Villanueva help Padres shut out Rockies Richard, Villanueva help Padres shut out Rockies A clubhouse leader and a newcomer who’d traveled a long road himself carried the Padres to a 3-0 victory over Colorado on Thursday. One day after signing a two-year contract extension, Clayton Richard showed his durability. For the seventh time this season, a Padres starting pitcher recorded at least one out in the eighth inning. Six of those starts belong to Richard. The 34-year-old left-hander worked 7 1/3 innings, shutting out the Rockies in that span. He struck out eight batters, scattering seven hits and a walk. He walked off the field to a standing ovation. “He leads us,” catcher Austin Hedges said. “Whatever he does on the mound is a bonus. Having him in the clubhouse, on the plane, on the bus, everywhere, he’s awesome. He’s the best.” Though an error precipitated his exit, Richard also received on-field support. It came in the form of three double plays and, on offense, another impactful game by Christian Villanueva.