Preview: Padres Offense Looks To Continue Its Surge Saturday

Aug 1, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman

(center) is congratulated by catcher

(left) after hitting a two run home run that drove in shortstop

(right) during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 season has been a roller coaster one for the San Diego Padres’ offense. In the first half, the team set a live ball record for worst team batting average and nearly matching Major League Baseball’s all-time one established by the 1914 Chicago White Sox.

However, following the 10-1 thrashing of the Atlanta Braves last night in Petco Park, the Padres’ are the highest scoring team in the Major Leagues since the All-Star.

Tonight, the Padres look to continue an impressive home stand when they take on the Atlanta Braves in the second game of the three game series.

Led by Tommy Medica‘s five hit and four RBI night that included two homers and four runs scored, the offense pounded Braves’ lefty Mike Minor (4.7, 5.42 ERA).

Padres’  Eric Stults (4-13, 4.96 ERA), whose been a victim of both poor runs support and pitching, got his first win since July 4th. Stults was solid allowing one unearned run in 6.1 innings striking three and walking one.

Padres look to continue to build off this momentum tonight at 5:40 pm PDT.

Aug 1, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher

(right) talks to former Arizona Diamondbacks teammate Atlanta Braves left fielder

(8) before a game at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Pitching Matchups:

After missing his last scheduled start on Monday in Atlanta due to oblique injury, Padres Ian Kennedy (8-9. 3.66 ERA) will take the mound against the Braves. The 29-year old right-hander is making his 23rd start of the season and his first against the Braves this year.

In his last outing against the Cubs, Kennedy struggled a little bit with his control but still battled through numerous situations to pick up his eighth victory of season. He allowed three earned run, three hits, and striking out six but allowing a season five walks.

Kennedy has not lost since June 25 and has a 2-0 record against the Braves over the course of his career.

The Braves will counter with veteran Ervin Santana (10-6, 3.63 ERA)who looks to duplicate his performance against the Padres from last Monday when he went eight innings and striking out a career high eleven in the 2-0 victory. Santana’s had an up and down season so far, but he appears to have turned things around in his last two starts posting a 2-0 record allowing one earned run and striking out 21 batters in 21.1 innings.

Jul 29, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman

(9) singles during the eighth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Player To Watch:

Padres second baseman Jedd Gyorko has finally got his timing back and has been on fire since returning from the disabled list last Monday. Over the past week, Gyorko has seen his average climb 20 points and has RBI’s in four consecutive games that include two home runs and seven RBI.

Earlier this season,Gyorko was struggling with off-speed pitches, but he is dialed in staying back and keeping his shoulder from opening up to drive pitches hard to different parts of the field.

In his last start, Santana’s slider was very effective and it kept Padres’ hitters off balance. It will be a good test for the 25-year old to lift a team on his shoulders. Both Tommy Medica and Gyorko have ignited the Padres’ offense these past couple of weeks and they will need them to carry them to victory tonight.

Aug 1, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop

(2) is congratulated after scoring on a double by second baseman

(not pictured) during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Keys To Padres Victory:

Braves pitcher Ervin Santana struck out eleven Padres’ hitters last Monday in route to 2-o win, so here are the keys to victory:

Ian Kennedy: 

How is Kennedy going to bounce back from the injury sustained in his last start in Chicago? The right-hander has not lost since June 25, so the Padres will need a strong outing from him before turning the ball over to the bullpen.  Since the trade of Huston Street, the Padres bullpen continues to shine and closer Joaquin Benoit has been solid since taking over.

Baserunners: 

The Padres were unable to get on base the last time they faced Santana, and it tends to be a trend with this team to tail-off after a big offensive night. Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera came alive last night going 4-5, so the Padres need him to get on base. In addition, the Padres will also have to show plate discipline and get Santana’s pitch count up to give themselves opportunities.