Padres Start Long Road Trip in Big Apple

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Jul 19, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Andrew Cashner (34) pitches during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Game 3 Thursday, 9:10am

Andrew Cashner (4-10, 3.93 ERA) vs. Jon Niese (5-9, 3.75 ERA)

Cashner may be getting shipped off as well. He has pitched at least 7 innings in three of his last four starts. July is turning into his best month this season with a 2.61 ERA. In his only start at Citi Field, Cashner pitched 6 innings and allowed four runs in a loss.

Niese is coming off of the roughest start of his season where he only lasted 3 innings while allowing 6 runs on two home runs. Before that start he had arguably his best start, throwing 7 2/3 shutout innings. He has a good track record against the Padres, with a 2.04 ERA in five starts.

Offensive Player to Watch: Daniel Murphy

Murphy is often an underrated part of the Mets’ lineup with guys like David Wright, Lucas Duda and Curtis Granderson on the roster. He has quietly had three straight seasons of more than 35 doubles and a batting average higher than .285. His career numbers against Cashner are good at 3 for 7 with a home run and three RBI. In the last week, he has hit .308.

The Padres desperately need to keep this momentum going. A series win here against a team with a record above .500 would be big. I predict they will do it. They have favorable pitching matchups and their offense seems to be in a better place.

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