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Despite a solid 10-strikeout effort by Jason Marquis last night, our Padres couldn't put together enough offense to overcome a messy 2-run first inning by the Rangers. Tonight they will try again and hopefully even up the series behind Edinson Volquez, who will take the mound against the team who drafted him in 2001.
Volquez is coming off a great outing against the Mariners. He gave up just one run in 6 2/3 innings to earn the win. Tonight he has the daunting task of trying to shut down Josh Hamilton, whom the Rangers acquired in 2007 by trading Volquez to the Reds. Hamilton makes his first start today after being sidelined by a stomach virus and missing four games. He has been an integral part of the Rangers since they acquired him and so far this season has 22 home runs under his belt and leads the league in RBI. Also, his .638 SLG makes him the all-time leader in interleague play. It'll be a tough assignment for Volquez to try to keep his bat quiet today, but hopefully the spacious confines of Petco Park will keep the ball in the park and our defense can give Volquez some help as well.
Texas will counter with Scott Feldman, who is still looking for his first win of the season after losing his first six decisions. His last start saw him give up six runs (four earned) on eight hits and two walks in five innings, although he struck out six. He is hoping that a start against San Diego will turn his luck around and he can finally get that elusive first win.
#Padres lineup vs. #Rangers: Venable 9, Maybin 8, Headley 5, Quentin 7, Alonso 3, Cabrera 6, Hundley 2, Amarista 4, Volquez 1.
— Follow The Padres (@FollowThePadres) June 19, 2012
Texas leads the league in runs per game at 5.29 while San Diego ranks dead last with 3.32. Hopefully our Padres can put some runs together and end the Rangers' current winning streak at four.
GO FRIARS!! KEEP THE FAITH!!