Game 26 Preview: 05/03 Padres vs. Rockies

The Padres really needed a win coming into this three-game set at home against the Rockies. Well, they've got two so far to clinch the series and get back over .500 on the season, and today they go for the sweep to close out the homestand.

They'll turn to James Shields in the finale. The ace has pitched a quality start in each of his five appearances this season, winning both of his decisions while posting a 2.90 ERA. In four career starts against Colorado, Shields is 2-1 with a 3.96 ERA. That includes a six-inning showing last month at Coors Field, where he gave up three runs on six hits. But he's kept opponents to one run in each of his two home starts this season, the most recent of which saw him fan 12 batters in six innings of work against the red-hot Astros.

On the hill for the Rockies will be Kyle Kendrick, who pitched opposite Shields in that game at Coors in April. He lasted an inning longer than Shields, but gave up four runs along the way, eventually getting a no-decision for his effort. That was one of his more successful starts this season, as the Rockies pitcher has struggled for the most part in 2015. Overall he is 1-3 with an 8.36 ERA. His last time out he lasted only 4 1/3 innings and surrendered eight runs to the Diamondbacks. THe righty is 4-2 in eight career appearances against San Diego, but 2-2 in four at Petco Park.

The game gets underway at 1:10 this afternoon and then the Padres are off to San Francisco. Hopefully it's a happy flight.