Philadelphia just snapped a two-game losing streak by picking up a come-from-behind victory over Milwaukee and now travel to take on the San Diego Padres
Philadelphia Phillies at San Diego Padres
Philadelphia should be looking forward to its three-game series with San Diego due to winning seven straight and 20 of 24 at Petco Park. The Phillies have actually dominated the National League West division by compiling a 62-35 record over the last three seasons. The team has an all-time record of 18-4 at tonight’s venue and have recorded an early 4-2 mark on the road this season. Offensively, the club was struggling before Wednesday’s victory, hitting just .187 and getting outscored 24-13 over the previous five games. Philadelphia is 7-5 against right-handed starters this season and 5-5 after a win.
Phillies starting pitcher Roy Oswalt is 2-0 with a 2.50 ERA in three starts this season and comes in with a nine-game winning streak that dates back to last year. The right-hander had the lowest road ERA of any starter in the majors in 2010 (2.22) and went 2-1 with a 1.73 ERA in seven road games as a member of Philadelphia last year. Oswalt brings in a dominating 10-2 mark and 2.45 ERA in 18 career games (16 starts) versus the Padres.
San Diego has dropped five of eight at home this season and is opening a seven-game homestand after splitting a doubleheader in Chicago on Wednesday. The Padres offense came alive a bit in the second game, collecting a season-high 12 hits and connecting on three home runs to match the team’s total from the previous nine games. Leading the charge offensively was outfielder Ryan Ludwick, who was 5-for-8 in the doubleheader with two doubles and a homer. He has a career .343 average at Wrigley Field. “That second game is the best I’ve felt in a Padres uniform, including the final two months of the season,” Ludwick stated. “I love it here. This is by far my favorite place to hit and Chicago is my favorite place to visit.”
Padres starting pitcher Mat Latos is searching for his first victory of the season, posting an 0-2 record and 5.84 ERA in his first two outings of the year. The right-hander has allowed just eight hits in 12.1 innings this season, but three of those have left the ball park. Latos will be toeing the rubber for the 18th time in his career at Petco Park tonight, bringing in an even 7-7 record and 3.07 ERA. During the 2010 campaign, he struggled to open the season as well, posting a 1-2 record and 6.20 ERA.
Bettors will likely back the Phillies due to being 14-3 in Oswalt’s last 17 starts, while the Padres are 1-6 versus right-handed starters.
