Joey Votto–sick of being shit on by umpires, opponents, and luck–got himself tossed from the game in the first inning of tonight’s game.

Whether that was an inspirational force for the rest of the team, leading to their offensive actually making an appearance, I’m not in a position to say, but I’m sure as hell sure that Dusty Baker should have been doing the same thing yesterday after that incompetent piece-of-crap call at the plate.

Why aren’t umps fined for bad calls? I’m not saying they should lose a day’s pay if they call a ball a strike, but just something to demonstrate that they have any reason to give a damn. As it is, it seems like they care more about not having players questioning them than about actually getting the right answer.

In other game night news, great performance from Homer Bailey, and a good thing since Micah Owings just went on the DL. And stellar offensive performances from Johnny Gomes and Laynce Nix, which is also good since Owings Chris Dickerson just went on the DL.

Three more games in this series. Can the Padres save Brook Jacoby’s job? Stay tuned.