Friars On Base
Fansided

Padres' hint of desperation getting more obvious entering key rivalry series

Coming off a series loss to the Dodgers, San Diego really needs this series
ByLevi Coovert|
Los Angeles Dodgers v San Diego Padres
Los Angeles Dodgers v San Diego Padres | Sean M. Haffey/GettyImages

After dropping two of three to the Dodgers this past series, the Padres need to get back on track, and quickly. San Diego has a 5-5 record in their past 10 games and has been mostly mediocre during that stretch. They've been surpassed by the San Francisco Giants and Philadelphia Phillies in the NL Wild Card picture, and remain two games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.

Now, they face the Arizona Diamondbacks, who are beginning to heat up after a slow start to the season. Arizona is 7-3 in their last 10 games, and the Snakes are coming off a sweep over the Seattle Mariners. Arizona remains 4.5 games behind San Diego, but they are within striking distance.

The Padres head to the desert to face a red-hot divisional rival and need to avoid a prolonged losing skid. The Friars are going to have to give it everything they've got if they want to win this series and keep the pace in the NL West.

Game one, which will be streamed on Apple TV, is set to feature Stephen Kolek on the hill for the Padres against Ryne Nelson for Arizona. Nelson will be making his fifth start this season for the D-backs. So far, he holds a 4.60 ERA and could be vulnerable against a strong Padres offense.

Saturday's matchup is set to feature Zac Gallen against Ryan Bergert. Going into the season, this might have felt like a lopsided game in Arizona's favor, but not anymore. Bergert has only made two starts and tossed 14.1 innings in the big leagues, but so far, he has looked excellent, posting a 1.26 ERA. However, going on the road in a hitter-friendly ballpark will certainly be a challenge for the rookie.

Gallen, meanwhile, has struggled all year long. With a 4-8 record and a 5.15 ERA, he appears to still be searching for his old self. While he has been pitching deeper into games lately, he is still allowing runs. In his last two starts, Gallen has allowed seven runs in 13 2/3 innings.

Finally, Sunday's showdown will feature Nick Pivetta and Merrill Kelly squaring off in a classic pitcher's duel. While neither is an ace, both have ERAs under 3.50, and the game is likely to be a competitive one based on their track records this season.

At the end of the day, the Padres need to take this series. Another series loss to another division rival would continue to slow down the momentum in San Diego, and in a competitive NL West, every game matters. Arizona can be slowed down, and it is crucial that the Padres find a way to do it.