With Clayton Richard on the mound, our Padres eye their second win of the series today after a satisfying 8-2 win last night. Richard has been much better in the latter part of this season, going 4-3 in his last seven starts. One of his best starts came against the Astros at the end of June. He gave up just one run on two hits while throwing 84 pitches through seven innings. However, our offense couldn't back him up in that game and was shut down by Lucas Harrell. Hopefully they can carry over their momentum from last night's game and give Richard some run support today.

Our boys will be facing Houston's ace, Wandy Rodriguez. He has struggled lately, going 1-3 in his last three games and increasing his ERA by more than a run since May. But one thing he has been great at is consistently pitching through the fifth inning. He hold the third longest active streak of five-plus-inning starts, and the Astros will count on him to keep that up today.

Carlos Quentin rejoins the lineup today and will be batting cleanup after missing two games due to knee soreness and not because he got traded already.

#Padres lineup today. Amarista 6Forsythe 4Headley 5Quentin 7Denorfia 9Alonso 3Maybin 8Baker 2Richard 1

— Jeff Sanders (@NCTPadres) July 18, 2012

Aztec for Life and Friar Faithful Ryan Lindley will get another chance to throw out the first pitch today after missing an opportunity earlier this season due to sickness. Between him and GLBer B_cres rocking the organ, there will be some seriously good vibes at the ballpark today.

Stoked to throw out the first pitch today at the @padres game. Not feeling sick or anything so I should be good to get thru this...

— Ryan Lindley (@RyanLindley14) July 18, 2012

UPDATE: Late lineup change. Cameron Maybin scratched. Chris Denorfia will move to center and Jesus Guzman will play right field.

So the new-look lineup: Amarista (6), Forsythe (4), Chase (5), Q (7), Deno (8), Yonder (3), GUZMAN (9), Bake (2), Richard (1)

— Chelsea Janes (@CJanes15) July 18, 2012

GO FRIARS!! KEEP THE FAITH!!