Padres Welcome Fightin’ Phils to San Diego

Aug 4, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) hits a grand slam home run during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Game 1 Friday, 7:10pm

James Shields (8-4, 3.74 ERA) vs. Aaron Nola (2-1, 3.38 ERA)

Shields has not won a start since July 17th. He went six innings and allowed two runs in his last start in Miami. He has not allowed more than three runs in five consecutive starts. Shields has struggled against the Phillies in his three career starts. He has a 6.35 ERA.

Nola was drafted 7th overall in last year’s draft. He will be making his 4th major league start when he takes the hill at Petco Park tonight. He was 3-1 with a 3.58 ERA in 6 starts at Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season. His only major league start on the road so far was in Chicago where he allowed four runs to the Cubs in 7 2/3 innings.

Offensive Player to Watch: Maikel Franco

Some people are thinking…who? Let me tell you, this kid is amazing. In the last week he has 9 RBI. He is hitting .286 with 12 home runs with an .842 OPS in 72 games this season. He also plays a great third base. The 22 year-old Dominican has a bright future ahead of him.