Padres Look to Take Series in Game 2 of Doubleheader

May 13, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton (6) slides into third base with a triple during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

The Padres conclude their series with the Reds this afternoon in Game 2 of a doubleheader at 5:10 CST.

The Padres fell in Game 1 5-0 to the Reds, as Johnny Cueto continued his mastery of whoever he plays in 2014.  Cueto went the distance, only allowing 3 hits and striking out 8.  The Padres Ian Kennedy struggled on the day, falling to 2-5 on the season.  He allowed 5 runs through six innings and 11 hits.

The pitching matchup in Game 2 appears to favor the Padres, as Tyson Ross looks to continue his personal roll on the mound.  Opposing him is former Rockies ace Jeff Francis, making his first appearance for the Reds in 2014.  He has gone 4-3 with a 3.33 ERA for Triple A-Louisville, and pitched respectably for the Rockies last year.

Momentum wise, this is a big one for the Padres.  The offense exploded over the weekend and did enough Monday enough to win Game 1 of the series. However, now in back-to-back games they have only had 3 hits.  They will certainly need to do better than that to defeat Jeff Francis before heading to Colorado later tonight for the 3 game set against their division rival.

In game 1, the Padres had lefties Seth Smith and Will Venable in the outfield against the RHP Cueto.  Game 2 will put in right-handed hitters Chris Denorfia and Carlos Quentin against the left-handed Francis.  Cameron Maybin will man centerfield in both games for the Padres.

Their season-high four game winning streak was snapped in the morning. They hope to get back on track and start a new one in game 2.  The Reds season record now stands at 18-20, the Padres at 19-22 as they both continue the fight back to .500.