Padres Continue Road Trip in Blistering AZ

4 of 4

Jun 18, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; San Diego Padres designated hitter Matt Kemp (27) hits a solo home run against the Oakland Athletics during the fourth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Game 3 Sunday, 1:10pm

Andrew Cashner (2-8, 4.24 ERA) vs. Jeremy Hellickson (4-4, 5.10 ERA)

Cashner has been disappointing so far this season. He allowed five runs in five innings against Oakland. His strikeout numbers are way down with just 6 strikeouts in his last three starts combined. He has allowed 13 home runs this season compared to just 7 last year.

The good thing is in his last start at Chase Field, he pitched 7 strong innings and only allowed two runs while striking out 6. He has a 3.86 ERA in 5 starts in that ballpark.

Hellickson was roughed up by the Padres in his last start against them in Arizona. He wasn’t able to get out of the 5th inning when he allowed five runs and two home runs. He has struggled in the other two starts against the Padres in his career and has a 8.00 ERA in those three starts combined.

The Friars desperately need a series win. In fact, if they can sweep the Diamondbacks they will get back to .500. I predict a series win here, with them winning two out of three. Matt Kemp seems to be swinging the bat better with 4 hits, two home runs, 3 RBI and two runs scored in his last 3 games. Hot weather means the ball will be jumping, the Padres need to tee off (I beg your pardon, I have the U.S. Open on my mind).

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