Diamondbacks-Padres: The Series Opener

Apr 23, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder

(13) breaks his bat while getting an infield hit in the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

With the Friars beginning a 10-game home stand, hopefully home is where the heart is or at least their offense can be found. The first series of the home stand marks the first of 19 games between the Padres and Diamondbacks this season. The Padres fared well against the Diamondbacks last season with a 12-7 record. Here are a few factors that can help the Padres win tonight’s series opener:

Andrew Cashner:

In 10 appearances, five being starts, Cashner owns a 3.81 ERA in 28.1 IP. He is making his seventh start of the season. He is looking to rebound from losing his last start in Washington in which he give up 4 runs, 9 hits, and 2 walks with 5 strikeouts in 6 innings of work.

Chris Denorfia:

Denorfia owns the fourth best career batting average among active players against the Diamondbacks, batting .339 (58-for-171). Although Denorfia struggled during the last series against San Francisco (1-for-9) tonight the Padres face RHP Bronson Arroyo. On the season, Denorfia is batting .324 (22-for-89) against right-handers.

Padres Bullpen:

One of the bright spots of the early season has been the Padres’ bullpen. They ended April with a 1.79 ERA for the fourth lowest bullpen ERA (March/April) since 1994. The entire pitching staff recorded 211 strikeouts for the month of April, surpassing the previous record of 209 in April of 2003. The Padres will turn to their top three starters for continued success.

With the offense struggling, the Padres’ starters will need to have quality starts to give the team a chance to win. Let’s hope that April’s showers bring a May flowering of offense for the Padres tonight against the Diamondbacks.

Keep the Faith.