Padres Look to Salvage Split in Series Finale

Sep 18, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher

(38) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

In a short 2-game series, it’s easy to let both games slip away. Tonight the Padres have a chance to do just that, but they won’t go down without a fight.

Leading the charge will be starting pitcher Tyson Ross (5-3, 2.81 ERA). He’s coming off a great start against the Cincinnati Reds where he allowed only 1 run on just 3 hits in the second game of a double header. Despite that great outing, he may have challenges against this Twins lineup, one that has given him trouble in the past. In 4 career appearances (2 starts) against them, he owns an 0-2 record with a 9.53 ERA and .348 batting average against. Those 4 appearances all occurred while he was a member of the A’s, so hopefully the results will be as different as the jersey on his back.

On the other side is Phil Hughes (4-1, 3.61 ERA). His last start was equally as great as Ross’. Up against the defending champs, the Boston Red Sox, he allowed just 1 run on five hits in 6 innings along with 8 strikeouts.  The red-hot Hughes will be a challenge for the Padres, and coupled with the fact that not too many of the Padres’ hitters have much experience against him, will not bode well for them.

It’s no secret the Padres’ bats have been underwhelming to say the least, but one bat that could help make a difference tonight, is Yonder Alonso. Despite batting just .193 this year his bat is starting to heat up. He’s had multi-hit games in 5 of his last 10. As the cleanup hitter, having those multiple-hit nights really helps to get the lineup going and get runs across the plate–two things that the Padres have not had much fortune with.

Hopefully the Padres can avoid the sweep tonight, and draw one step closer to .500. First pitch is at 6:10 PDT.

Keep The Faith.