Game 8 Preview: 04/13 Padres vs. Diamondbacks

After taking three of four games against the Giants, the Padres continue their homestand with a three-game set against the Diamondbacks. San Diego will start things off by sending Andrew Cashner to the mound.

In his season debut, Cashner gave up three home runs to the Dodgers - well, one Dodger. Adrian Gonzalez took him yard three times in his five innings of work. The right-hander gave up six runs (five earned) altogether against the Dodgers, walking three but striking out six along the way. Last season, in three tries against the Dbacks, Cashner was unable to notch a win, posting a 3.00 ERA while pitching a combined 18 innings. He's 3-2 in 12 games (eight starts) all-time against Arizona.

His opponent for the series opener tonight will be Rubby De La Rosa, who similarly gave up six runs in his 2015 debut last week. De La Rosa got lucky with some run support from the Diamondbacks, however, and came out with a win. The righty has faced the Padres just once before in his career, as a pitcher for the Dodgers. He threw six scoreless innings, yielding only one hit and four walks while collecting eight strikeouts.

The 2014 Padres lost 12 of 19 games against Arizona, so hopefully the 2015 Padres can find more success. If the last series against the reigning World Champion Giants is any indication, they should be able to handle the Dbacks.

Tune in as Cashner takes the mound at 7:10 pm PDT.