Series Preview: Padres Head to St. Louis

Aug 6, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne (40) pitches in the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Game 4/Prediction

The finale of the series looks to be a dandy as the Padres throw their Cuban rookie Odrisamer Despaigne (3-3, 2.72 ERA) against ace Adam Wainwright (14-7, 2.34). Wainwright started the All-Star Game for the National League this year and for good reason as he had a 1.83 ERA in the first half. He did not pitch against the Padres last month but he has dominated the Padres throughout his career. In 7 starts he has a 1.47 ERA against San Diego.

Despaigne dominated in his last start, striking out 8 in 7 innings and earning the victory. He did, however, get knocked around in his last start against the Cardinals. He allowed 6 runs on 9 hits in 5.2 innings. The key to a series win for the Padres is subduing the Cardinals bats. They have good pitching so if they score enough runs, the game might be out of reach for the Friars. The Padres have a rejuvenated offense but the Cardinals have a talented rotation. Something has to give in this weekend’s 4-game series.

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My prediction is a series split. The Padres are facing some good veteran pitching in Lackey and Wainwright. Those two games will be tough to win. I do foresee the Padres taking advantage of young guns Lynn and Miller as the Padres have hit much better since the break. This depends on if Yangervis Solarte can be healthy enough to play in the series and produce like he has since arriving from New York.