Padres News: Padres Host Mariners for Vedder Cup, Part 2

May 8, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher James Shields against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Game 2 Wednesday, 12:40pm

James Shields (7-2, 4.24 ERA) vs. Taijuan Walker (6-6, 4.64 ERA)

After starting 7-0 in his first 14 starts, Shields has lost his last two. He allowed a combined 11 runs with 6 walks in those two starts. Shields won his start against the Mariners at Safeco Field going 6 innings, only allowing one run with 9 strikeouts.

Robinson Cano is hitting .402 with four home runs off of Shields. Cano is having a down year, hitting only .241 with four home runs when many expected him to be in the running for the batting title.

Walker has been pitching really well lately. In his last three starts, he has only allowed five runs with 23 strikeouts. He was matched up against Shields when Shields got the win in the second game of the series in May. Walker was not too bad himself, going 6 innings, allowing two runs and striking out 6.

The Padres sure could use a quick sweep here. Unfortunately, I don’t see it happening. Montgomery could be turning into one of the best young lefties in the American League. I see another series split here. These two teams are very similar in the fact that they sometimes find new ways to lose every time. Each of these teams are feeling the pressure of getting back to contention or risk being stripped down next month at the deadline.

Padres News: Padres Host Mariners for Vedder Cup, Part 2

More from Friars on Base

Schedule