Preview: Padres Offense Looks To Continue Its Surge Saturday

Aug 1, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Jedd Gyorko (right) gestures as he greets first baseman Tommy Medica (14) at home plate after Medica hit his second two run home run of the game during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Predictions: Padres win 3-2

Despite losing three of four from the Braves last weekend, the Padres have played the Braves tough over the last couple of seasons. The club has won eight of their last ten games against the Braves at Petco Park since June 2011 and seven of their last nine series overall against Atlanta.

The Padres are one of the hottest teams in baseball offensively, but they will face an equally hot pitcher. Kennedy and Santana will keep the game close and low scoring, and it will depend on either line up capitalizing on opportunities given to them

Expect both teams bullpens to play a major factor in tonight’s game. Atlanta has, arguably one, of the best closer’s in MLB in Craig Kimbrel, but Benoit has stepped up as a late.

The Braves and Padres’ play a similar style of game, but Atlanta has shown that they can put up some runs quickly with one swing of the bat from either Justin Upton and Freddie Freeman.

However, with the way the San Diego’s played lately and given their performance at home,  look for the Padres to win a close game tonight and look for a possible series sweep on Sunday.