Game Preview: Game 158 vs. San Francisco Giants

The last time we faced Bumgarner, just one week ago exactly, our team sputtered their way to a loss that allowed the Giants to clinch the NL West. Bumgarner gave up three runs (two earned) and lasted 5 2/3 innings, but he got the run support he needed and our offense couldn't keep up. It was Bumgarner's second straight win overall after going through a four-start winless streak. It was also his fourth straight win in his last six starts against our Padres, and tonight he goes for his fifth as he tries to lead the Giants to its highest win total in five years. A win tonight would be his 17th of the season, making him the winningest left-handed pitcher for the Giants since 1997.

Meanwhile, Eric Stults will be trying for his second straight win against San Francisco after beating them on Sunday. He put in six innings of work in which he allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk. That was his first defeat of the Giants since 2009 when he was a Dodger, giving him a 3-2 lifetime record against them. In his start at San Francisco on August 18th he also lasted six innings, but gave up five runs on nine hits. Our Padres went on to lose that game by a run, but Stults didn't factor into the decision. With a 7-3 record and 2.84 ERA in 14 starts as a Padre this year, he has been a surprisingly reliable addition to our pitching staff, and hopefully he can come out victorious and get us out of this three-game skid.