Game Thread: 8/23 Padres @ Giants

Maybe it's just me, but it feels like it's been FOREVAR since the last Padres game. The day off yesterday was rough, so I watched Trevor Hoffman's retirement ceremony twice. One of these days I'll be able to get through the whole thing without crying.

Anyway, we can finally get back to watching Padres baseball tonight as we start a quick two-game series in San Francisco. These games are always fun. What makes it even better is that Mat Latos is making the start tonight. He has only faced the Giants once this year, a no-decision at home in which he pitched seven innings and gave up three runs. His pitching has improved greatly after struggling to begin the season. However, we will need our offense to step up their game and give him some run support, something Latos continues to lack.

Matt Cain will take the mound for San Francisco. He is 5-5 in 12 home starts this season. Against the Padres, he is 0-1 this season and 5-10 in his career. The Giants are one game behind Arizona for the division lead and hope to take advantage of the Diamondbacks' current 6-game losing streak.

Giants fans have been waiting all season for Latos to take the mound at AT&T Park so they can throw their best insults and jabs at him. But off-the-field drama aside, this should be an exciting game. The Padres are coming off a four-game sweep at home and lead the NL in runs scored since the All Star Break. Mat Latos has what it takes to shut down the Giants offense and shut up the Giants fans. As long as he keeps his head in the game, our defense can back him up, and our offense can give him some runs to work with, we should be confident in him to lead us to a victory.

GO FRIARS!! KEEP THE FAITH!!