Series Preview: Padres Head to Coors Field for Four

Apr 9, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne (40) pitches during the third inning as San Francisco Giants right fielder Nori Aoki (23) breaks for second at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Game 1, Monday 5:40pm

Odrisamer Despaigne (1-0, 0.77 ERA) vs. Jorge De La Rosa (First start of 2015)

Despaigne will get what is likely to be his last start until the return of Ian Kennedy at Coors Field, his first ever visit to the cavernous hitter’s wonderland. In 2 appearances so far, he has only allowed one earned run in almost 12 innings. He has also just allowed 2 hits and 2 walks in that span. He only has one career start against the Rockies and it was a good one. He pitched 7 shutout innings while striking out 8.

De La Rosa is entering his 12th season in the big leagues and his 8th with Colorado. He is second on their franchise wins list. He has plenty of experience against the Padres, 19 starts to be exact. He is 8-3 with a 4.41 ERA and 107 strikeouts. He actually has more strikeouts against the Padres than any other team.

Matt Kemp has had great success against De La Rosa, hitting .385 with 3 home runs in 42 plate appearances. Another Padre who has good numbers against the veteran lefty is someone who really needs a break-out series, Jedd Gyorko. He is 10 for 15 off of De La Rosa.

Next: Game 2