Padres Editorial: Off to the Desert to Face D-Backs

May 3, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher James Shields (33) pitches during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Game 2 Friday, 6:40pm

James Shields (3-0, 3.72 ERA) vs. Jeremy Hellickson (1-3, 5.20 ERA)

Shields is coming off of his worst start of 2015 when he allowed five runs and nine hits against the Rockies. This will be Shields’ second career start at Chase Field. His first one in 2007 did not go well. He allowed six runs on two home runs and 10 hits in 5 innings and got the loss. He looks to reverse his fortunes in this game.

Shields has been as advertised so far for the Padres. He has been a leader on the mound as well as in the dugout on his off days.

Hellickson faced the Padres earlier this year as well. The Padres knocked him around for 5 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks in 6 2/3 innings. He has struggled most of the year as he has allowed at least three runs in four of his five starts this season.

His fortunes have not been much better at Chase Field, where he possesses a 7.90 ERA. He has a 7.43 career ERA against the Padres. Needless to say, the Padres need to jump on him to gain momentum in this series.