Padres Play Weekend Series in L.A.

4 of 4

May 19, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher James Shields (33) pitches during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Game 3 Sunday, 1:10pm

James Shields (5-0. 3.74 ERA) vs. Carlos Frias (3-1, 2.55 ERA)

Shields is still undefeated although he has been far from perfect. He has allowed a major-league leading 14 home runs. He did have one of his better starts last time out against the Cubs, striking out 11 in 7 innings. Shields is 9th in the NL in innings pitched with 55 1/3.

In his only start against the Dodgers this year, he went 6 innings while allowing 2 runs and striking out 8. Shields may lead the league in home runs allowed but he also leads the National League in a good stat, strikeouts. He has 75.

Frias is a tall right-handed, 25 year-old Dominican rookie. He has never started against the Padres but has appeared in 3 games. In 3 innings, he has not allowed a run and struck out 4 against San Diego. He has walked multiple batters in one start only once in his four starts this season.

The Padres are stumbling right now and this will be a tough task going into Chavez Ravine. The Dodgers haven’t scored a run in over three games but the Padres pitching has not been what it should be. I expect better play from both teams in this series but ultimately a series win for the Dodgers at home.

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