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Game Thread: 07/24 Padres @ Giants

By jodes0405
July 19, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Edinson Volquez (37) reacts after not getting a called strike in the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at PETCO Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE
July 19, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Edinson Volquez (37) reacts after not getting a called strike in the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at PETCO Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

Our boys had a rough night last night in the series opener against the first-place Giants, so tonight they'll be looking to turn it around and even up the series. Coming off his best game of the season, and maybe of his career, Edinson Volquez will take the mound and try to keep the Giants from clinching the series tonight. He pitched a one-hit complete game shutout against the Astros in his last outing. He walked three and struck out five, and the one hit he allowed was an infield single that glanced off his glove. Even though it was against one of the worst teams in the league, the win was worth more than just a boost in the standings. It was a huge confidence boost for the team, and for Volquez especially. And hopefully that confidence will carry over tonight and help him lead us to a victory.

He will need that confidence, considering the roll on which the Giants have been. After last night's dominating performance, they are now 8-2 since the All Star Break and are definitely playing like a first-place team. But our Padres have been playing great as well, boasting a 7-4 record since the All Star break and producing some of the best offensive output of the season. They didn't do a very good job of showing up last night, but tonight we'll see if they can turn it around against Madison Bumgarner, who will be going for his third win of the season against us.

Bumgarner earned his first victory against us in April when he allowed just one run on six hits and a walk in 7 2/3 innings. His second victory didn't come as easily. He surrendered four runs on seven hits and four walks in six innings at Petco Park, but his offense came through for him with six runs of support. He is coming off a one-run loss against the Braves in Atlanta, where he pitched well despite the decision. Hopefully at the end of the night, his undefeated 2012 record against us will be no more.

After taking last night off, Carlos Quentin will make the start tonight in left, batting cleanup. Here's how the rest of the lineup will look:

GO FRIARS!! KEEP THE FAITH!!

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