Beat L.A.: Padres Host Dodgers in Weekend Series

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Jun 8, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Yonder Alonso (23) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Game 3 Sunday, 1:10pm

James Shields (7-0, 3.79 ERA) vs. Mike Bolsinger (4-1, 2.08 ERA)

Again the Padres have not officially announced Shields as the starter, perhaps wanting to give him an extra day off. Shields is looking to put the worst start of his Padres career behind him. Against the Braves, he let a 5-0 lead slip by allowing 5 runs in the 6th inning. He has allowed 5 earned runs in 13 innings against the Dodgers so far this season.

Bolsinger has been huge for the Dodgers since they have lost two rotation starters for the year. In his lone start against the Padres this year, he pitched 8 innings of one-hit, shutout ball. He has pitched at least into the 6th inning in six of his seven starts.

The good news is the Padres are 4-1 on Military Sundays.

This is a big series for the Padres. They can gain ground in the NL West and get above .500. They have had trouble getting above .500 and staying there. Unfortunately, I am predicting a series loss here. The pitching matchups are a tough draw this weekend and the Padres are playing a lot of baseball and may show signs of fatigue. A series win here could turn the season around completely and get San Diego hoping for October baseball once again.

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