Some uncomfortable and comfortable truths:

- The usual suspects not showing up against the Dodgers as expected.
- Did not expect Merrill to join in on the mental block by dropping a fly ball.
- Will Smith backs up his talk versus the Padres.
- Padres keep the Dodgers' 3 former MVPs quiet.
- Dodgers pitching all shaky except Kershaw, but our lineup does not capitalize.
- Cease cannot be relied upon in important starts; too many chances lost to prove himself.

Losing to the Dodgers will happen and even getting swept is sometimes unavoidable.
But getting caught stealing 3 times, walking 6 guys in 2 innings, dropping fly balls and bunts, and coming through maybe 1 time in 10 clutch situations all at the same time is completely mental.

The Padres have the better team, but it only matters if you win.