East vs West: Padres Welcome Nationals to Petco

Tonight the Padres welcome the Washington Nationals to Petco Park for their annual visit. They will be facing Washington’s second year right-hander Tanner Roark (3-4, 3.25 ERA). The last time the Padres faced Roark, he pitched his first career shutout. The Padres only mustered 3 hits during those 9 innings. With Jedd Gyorko being placed on the DL with plantar fasciitis, Rene Rivera and Chris Denorfia will be the only active Padres that have a hit off of Roark.

The Padres will counter with Tyson Ross (6-4, 2.85 ERA) who did not face the National during their last series. Ross had a great month of May, allowing only one earned run in 5 out of his 6 starts. On the season Ross has a 1.54 ERA at home. Center fielder Denard Span is the only National to have faced Ross more than twice. Span is 3-for-7; he will be looking to set the table for the middle of the Nationals lineup.

Keep the Faith.

Friar Facts

–          On this day in 2007, Trevor Hoffman became the first pitcher in Major league history to collect 500 saves.

–          Yesterday, the Padres selected SS Trea Turner out of NC State with their first round pick.

–          Huston Street has been lights out this season converting all 18 save of his save opportunities.