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With the All Star Break behind them now, the Padres will try to begin the second "half" of the season on a high note as they travel to St. Louis for a three-game set against the team with baseball's best record.
Former Cardinal Jason Marquis will make the start in the series opener, still looking for his elusive tenth win, which he hasn't been able to capture in five tries. Since winning eight straight decisions from April 28th-June 15th, Marquis has gone 0-2 in his last five starts and continues to lead the league in walks (65) after issuing 17 free bases in those five outings. He's hoping a return to Busch Stadium will help him get back on track. In seven starts against the Cardinals since he left the team in 2006, he's gone 5-2 with a 3.77 ERA. Tonight will be his second time facing his old ball club this season, after holding them to one run on three hits in six innings at Petco Park as part of his aforementioned eight-game winning streak.
The Padres dropped the other two games in that home series in May, but they'll look for better results in St. Louis starting tonight against Jake Westbrook. The right-hander is making his seventh appearance since his return from the DL in June. He's 3-3 in the previous six starts, but 3-0 in his last four at home, posting a 0.31 ERA in that stretch. He is 2-2 with a 3.92 ERA all-time against San Diego.