Padres Search For 5th Straight In Game 1 of Doubleheader

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

After the last night’s rain out in Cincinnati, the Padres and Reds will play a day-night doubleheader starting today at 9:45 AM PDT. Both Wednesday’s starters are scheduled in the early game while Tyson Ross is slated to start game 2. The Reds are yet to confirm who will take the mound in the nightcap.

The Padres have been doing their best to replicate the 1920’s Yankee murderers’ row. Their offense came out swinging during the last series with Miami. Chase Headley continued the power hitting with a 363 foot home run off of Aroldis Chapman’s 99-mph fastball for the go ahead run, clinching the series opener against the Cincinnati Reds 2-1.

However, the game had been a pitchers’ duel for the first 8 innings. Andrew Cashner and Mike Leake were pitching with authority. Reds’ Leake pitched 8 strong innings, allowing 1 run on 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 5. Padres’ Cashner lasted 7 innings, giving up only 1 run on 7 hits and 1 walk while striking out 6.

Both teams will send pitchers coming off of great starts. Johnny Cueto (3-2, 1.43 ERA) has been pitching at historic levels, having 2 complete games while holding his opposing hitters to .138. The Padres offense will need to be prepared and attack Cueto’s mistakes. The Padres send Ian Kennedy (2-4, 3.12 ERA) to face Cueto. Kennedy pitched a masterful game last time out. He pitched 7 innings striking out 12, tying a career high, while hitting his first homerun of his career.

Kennedy will need to replicate his success from his last start to win tonight. Reds’ Joey Votto (.375), Skip Schumaker (.421), Brayan Pena (.400), and Roger Bernadina (.333) have all fared well against Kennedy in their careers. It should be a great match up.

Headley’s 9th inning home run was his fourth on the season. Since Headley returned from the DL he has been more like his 2012 self than his 2013 self. If this continues and Carlos Quentin stays healthy, the Padres will have an outside chance at a wildcard spot.

First game starts at 9:45 am ET.

Keep the Faith.

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