Padres Kick Off Series With the D-Backs

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Keys to Padre Victory:

The Padres are looking to get back on track after dropping back to back series for the first time since the All Star break. If they won’t to get back into the win column they’ll have to execute in some key areas.

Get Despaigne Through 6:

In most cases when a pitcher makes it deep into a ballgame it’s because they’re pitching well so this should be a given, but Despaigne always seems to carry his early performance with him. If he starts strong he ends strong, if he starts weak he ends weak. In his starts where he’s pitched 6+ innings he’s allowed 2 or fewer runs. When he hasn’t he’s allowed 4 or more. If Despaigne can get deep in the ballgame, it’ll only take a few runs to get the win.

Take Collmenter Deep:

Josh Collmenter has allowed 6 home runs in his last 4 starts, and if you watched the home run derby when it was in Arizona you know the ball flies off the bat there. Those two things play into the Padres hands tonight. The offense has been much improved of late, so don’t be surprised if you see guys taking some big hacks against Collmenter.