San Diego Padres: Pitching Matchups for Series vs. Dodgers

Sunday – Lauer vs. Hill

Twenty-two-year-old left-hander, Eric Lauer will make his third start for the San Diego Padres on Sunday. He’ll go up against another left-hander, albeit a much older one, in Rich Hill.

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Lauer was hit hard in his first start versus the Colorado Rockies on April 24, getting touched up for six earned runs on six hits in three innings.

His next outing against the Giants on Monday wasn’t outstanding, but it was a great improvement over his first MLB appearance the week before.

He went five innings, allowing three earned runs on seven hits, struck out seven and walked two. Not too shabby.

Hopefully, another leap forward is what we’re in store for.

Rich Hill has had a tougher run this season than he has over the last few years.

His 6.00 ERA and 1.60 WHIP are well above his career numbers in those areas (4.00 and 1.26, respectively).

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In his last start against the Diamondbacks on April 14, he gave up seven runs on seven hits over five innings. Hill hasn’t made a start since that day due to an injury to the middle finger on his (left) throwing hand.

Margot (.333 in nine at-bats) is the only Padres’ player with a decent amount of success against Hill. Apparently, the rest of the Friars lineup is due.