Game Thread: 04/27 Padres @ Giants

After a 3-4 homestand, ending with a win against the red-hot Nationals, the Padres boarded a happy flight and headed North for a series against divisional rivals, the Giants.

This past homestand was certainly frustrating at times, but it also showed a glimpse of potential. We split a series with the Phillies, and even outscored them 12-8. Against the Nationals, we got a lot of men on base, and even though we couldn't get most of them home, it was a far cry from the team that struck out nine times in a row just ten days ago. Progress, people!

Tonight we will set our sights on opening up this Giants series with a win, and we will look to Cory Luebke to get us there. Luebke is coming off a phenomenal outing against the Phillies and Roy Halladay. He surrendered just two hits (both singles) and shut out the Phillies in eight innings of work, earning his second straight win. He hasn't allowed a run to cross the plate in 13.1 innings, and hopes to keep that streak going against San Francisco and a man who is also looking to continue a streak of his own, Pablo Sandoval.

Sandoval's current 19-game hitting streak to open the season is a new franchise record. It's no doubt the Giants offense is looking to him to lead them to a victory and back-to-back wins after defeating the Reds last night. They will also be looking to Eric Hacker to shut out the Padres in his major league debut. Hacker went 4-0 for the Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies. He pitched 24.2 innings with opposing batters hitting just .217 off of him.

Cory Luebke vs. Pablo Sandoval. Whose streak will be broken first?

#Padres lineup vs. #Giants: Venable 9, Guzman 7, Headley 5, Hundley 2, Alonso 3, Hudson 4, Maybin 8, Parrino 6, Luebke 1.

— Follow The Padres (@FollowThePadres) April 27, 2012

GO FRIARS!! KEEP THE FAITH!!