Game Preview: Padres Look to Sweep in Series Finale

Aug 2, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Will Venable (25) hits a walk-off RBI single in the twelfth inning against the Atlanta Braves to beat the Braves 3-2 at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Keys to Padres Victory:

The Padres have been hot lately, but every streak goes cold eventually. Here are the keys to prevent that from happening today:

Avoid Walking Batters:

As I mentioned earlier, Ross walked 5 batters in 6 innings in his last start. That would end up tying his second highest walk total of the season. Luckily it didn’t burn him then, but walks always seem to find a way to haunt a pitcher. Lightning rarely strikes twice, so Ross will have to improve upon his control this time out.

Timely Hitting:

In the series opener, the Padres went 8 for 19 with runners in scoring position en route to a blowout victory. It was a bit of different tune last night where they went 2 for 13 pulling out the win by the skin of their teeth. Just like walks will come and haunt you, missed opportunities will do the same. If the Padres pounce on chances like they did in game 1, then they should have no issue winning, but if they keep failing like last night, eventually the Braves will take advantage.