Preview: Padres Take Momentum Into Finale With D-Backs

Apr 19, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman

(9) waits for the pitch in the second inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Padres are looking to take some of the moment they gained in the ninth inning in their loss last night to the Arizona Diamondbacks into today’s game. Despite managing only three hits off D-backs starter Brandon McCarthy, the Padres got to reliever J.J. Putz.

Jedd Gyorko‘s home run got them back within one but the team was unable to get Cameron Maybin home from second to the tie game. In order for the Padres to win today, they are going to have to improve on their 1-9 with runners in scoring position. Seth Smith led the way for the Padres with three hits while Yasmani Grandal continues to be he the club’s most effective hitter over the last week.

Today, Tyson Ross (3-3, 3.68)  hopes to get the club back on winning ways as he faces Diamondbacks lefty Wade Miley (2-3, 5.36). Ross was shaky in his last start against the Giants, allowing five earned runs but still managing the victory. Entering this series, Diamondback starters were statistically the worst in the Major Leagues, but one couldn’t tell from the way Bronson Arroyo and McCarthy have shut down Padres’ bats.

If the Padres look to salvage a win in the series, they are going to have to get a another solid start from Ross and improve with runners on base.