Streaking Padres Kick Off Series in Cincy

Jul 28, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres outfielder

(18) hits an RBI single against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

The Padres will be taking their longest winning streak into Cincinnati this evening with the hopes of making it four in a row. Today marks the beginning of a 3 game series against the Reds and the Padres in the start of a six game road trip.

Andrew Cashner (2-5, 2.86 ERA) will be taking the hill for Padres to kick off the series. Cashner was the only starter who missed out on dominating the Miami Marlins. His last start  was the shortest of the year. He was knocked out after just 4 innings surrendering 4 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits and 2 walks. He’s looking to pick up his first win since April 16th and a break a streak of 4 straight losses.

This will be his second career start against the Reds. In August of 2013, he struggled against them lasting only 5 innings after surrendering 5 runs on 7 hits and 4 walks. He does have 6 scoreless relief appearances against them, so hopefully he’ll pitch as he did out of the bullpen.

Opposing him will be Mike Leake (2-3, 3.40 ERA). Leake has been one of the Reds better starters this season, consistently going deep into ballgames and limiting the number baserunners. He’s got a 1.09 WHIP, good for the 23rd best in the majors this year. His last time out he got a no decision despite pitching well enough for a win. He went  7 innings and allowed just 2 runs.

This will be his fourth time facing the Padres and in search of his first win against the club. He’s 0-1 with 3.45 ERA against the Friars, but even with his limited success against them, the Padres will still have their hands full. They also might want to watch out for his bat as well. Leake leads all pitchers in hits since his Major League debut in 2010.

Two welcome additions will join the Padre lineup tonight. Everth Cabrera, who missed Sunday’s game for the birth of his child, will be batting second, and Carlos Quentin, who will be making his 2014 debut while batting cleanup. The long awaited return of Quentin should help bring some power to the already surging Padre bats.

Having Quentin healthy and ready to contribute should help sustain the production we’ve seen over the last few games. Now that they are no longer last in the majors in runs scored, maybe they’ll continue to rise through the ranks and hit just enough to support the starters.

First pitch is at 4:10 PDT.