Padres will try to remember how to hit as Odrisamer Despaigne takes the mound against Clayton Kershaw

Our Padres are on the verge of a season-long losing streak after dropping their last five. This last series against the Rockies might have been one of the most frustrating of the season as the team got shut out two straight times at one of the most (if not the most) pitcherhitter-friendly ballparks in the league. Tonight they have a tough task ahead of them as they look to bounce back against Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers.

On the mound for San Diego tonight will be Odrisamer Despaigne, who's coming off a fantastic outing against the Diamondbacks. The rookie allowed only one run on four hits through seven innings against Arizona last Tuesday. It was his second straight start without a decision, despite posting a 1.29 ERA in that stretch. Despaigne hasn't pitched as well away from Petco Park however, dropping four consecutive road starts while posting a 5.68 ERA going into tonight's contest at Dodger Stadium.

Kershaw, on the other hand, hasn't had any problem racking up victories. Tonight he goes for a league-leading 18th win in the series opener, the last time he will face San Diego this season. He's coming off an eight-inning, one-run performance against the Nationals, marking his third win in as many tries. Kershaw has also won all three of his last games against the Friars behind a 0.75 ERA. Two of those games came this year as he allowed a combined two runs while collecting 21 strikeouts through 17 total innings.

Tune in at 7:10 PT for the opener of the three-game set.