Game Preview #144-Padres Look To Get Back On Track

The San Diego Padres, losers of six straight, and with memories of their offensive output after the All-Star break quickly being forgotten, they get the unenviable task of trying to derail arguably the best team in the National League in the L.A. Dodgers. Last night, the Padres took it on the chin once more, and although they scored four runs (3 unearned), their pitching staff is starting to show signs of wearing down. The Dodgers put 9 on the board, and chased rookie Odrisamer Despaigne after only 4 1/3 innings.

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Tonight, the Friars hope to finally snap what seems to be an eternal losing streak, by sending their oft-injured ace, Andrew Cashner (2-7, 2.39 ERA) to the mound. Luckily for the Pads, they’ll face a guy who has been hit and miss since changing his name. The artist formerly known as Fausto Carmona takes the mound as Roberto Hernandez (2-2, 4.61 ERA). Cashner has previously allowed only 2 earned runs in 12 innings of work against the Dodgers this season. Cashner has missed 51 games due to two separate stints on the disabled list–one for an elbow injury, and the most recent one for an injured shoulder.

Carmona, um hmm, Hernandez, allowed four long balls his last time out against the Washington Nationals. This is the perfect game for the Padres to get back on the winning track. The team is staring mathematical elimination square in the face any day now, and in reality, they are just prolonging the inevitable. The Dodgers on the other hand, are looking to bring home their first World Series title since 1988, and for Mattingly, one he just missed out on when he retired from the impending Yankees’ dynasty which started the season following his retirement. First pitch is slated for 7:10 p.m. PDT.

Keep the Faith.