Game Preview: Padres To Face Rival Dodgers

Tonight the Padres begin a three-game series against their long-time rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers will be sending Dan Haren (7-4, 3.54 ERA) to mound to follow-up after Clayton Kershaw’s 15-strikeout no-hitter. Haren earned a quality start during his last outing against Arizona. He pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits while striking out 2 strikeouts.

The Padres will counter with Ian Kennedy (5-8, 3.72 ERA). Kennedy is following up a mediocre start in which he pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits and 4 walks while striking out 7 against the New York Mets. This will be Kennedy’s second start against the Dodgers this season. Let’s hope Kennedy can buck the trend. Kennedy’s ERA has increased every month this season: April (3.16), May (3.68), June (4.91).

The Padres will look to showcase their best trade chips before the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline. Reports have already discussed who the Friars are willing to part with, and who some of the unknown faces may be coming to Petco Park for the remainder of the summer. However, this weekend will go a long way towards determining not only how the Padres’ stack up against one of the best teams in the National League, but it will also help determine whether or not the Padres can turn the corner, and get back into wild card contention before this team is ripped apart.

First pitch is at 10:10 pm ET.

Keep the Faith