Padres Look to Stay Hot vs. Brewers

Aug 1, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Yangervis Solarte (26) connects for a double during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Game 4 Thursday, 11:10am

Odrisamer Despaigne (5-7, 4.75 ERA) vs. Matt Garza (5-12, 5.17 ERA)

Despaigne had one of his best months of the season in July. He finished with an even 4.00 ERA in 4 appearances. He made one start against the Brewers last year at Petco Park. He went 7 solid innings, only allowing one earned run with 9 strikeouts in the win.

Garza is in his 10th year with the league. He has made three career starts against the Padres with good results. He is 2-0 with a 2.14 ERA. He has allowed 21 earned runs in his last six starts. He is 1-5 against NL West teams this season.

Offensive Player to Watch: Yangervis Solarte

He is the hottest Padre hitter right now. He is hitting .444 in the past week with four extra-base hits and four runs scored. He is 4 for 10 with a home run in his career at Miller Park and is hitting .400 in six games against the Brewers.

The Padres need to keep riding their momentum towards .500. A series sweep here would get them over .500. The Padres have not been .500 in August since 2010. I don’t predict a sweep here but a series win is likely. The Padres absolutely have to take advantage of this softer part of their schedule.