Series Preview: Padres Back Home to Face Rival Dodgers

Apr 18, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (23) hits a two-run single against the Colorado Rockies in the fifth inning during the game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Padres (10-7) head home after a 7-game road trip to host the Los Angeles Dodgers (9-6) for the weekend. This is turning into a battle for 1st place in the National League West. The Padres are mere percentage points behind the Dodgers for the top spot in the division.

The Padres are coming off of a successful road trip where they went 4-3 with a series win and split. They now have gone 4 series without losing. Their lone series loss of the season so far came at the hand of these very Dodgers. The Friars look for revenge this weekend.

The Padres enter this series as the top batting team in the National League, posting a .279 average. In second place? The Dodgers at .271. The Dodgers do have the advantage in home runs 20 to 16.

The Dodgers are coming off of being swept by the San Francisco Giants on the road. They are also coming in with a tired bullpen after finishing the series by going into extra innings.

Although it is still April, this has to be the biggest Padres/Dodgers series in recent memory. The winner of this series will be in first place. Hopefully Petco Park will be jam packed with a darker shade of blue and chants of “Beat LA” will ring loud throughout downtown.

Next: Game 1 Preview