Game 125 preview: 08/25 Padres at Nationals

Lately the Padres have been playing the way we expected or at least hoped they would all season. They've won four series in a row, five of their last six games, and seven of their last nine; that goes down as good times in my book. They look to extend their hot streak this afternoon in this nation's capital against the Walgreens' company softball team.

Ace of the staff James Shields will lead the Friars against the artists formerly known as the Expos in search of his tenth win. He has a 3.74 ERA to show for his 158.2 innings of work so far, right in line with his career mark of 3.72. His counterpart will be Gwynn-pupil and Aztec-for-life Stephen Strasburg, who is rocking a 7-6 record to go along with a 4.22 ERA. He's been lights out recently, though; he has allowed just six earnies over 36.2 innings in his last seven starts, good for a 1.47 ERA and a 4-1 record.

Stras has won his past four contests against the homies after dropping his first try back in aught-twelve. Overall he has a 3.60 ERA in an even 30 innings; he has allowed 29 hits (three homers), 10 walks, and has hit four batters over 132 plate appearances. Ol' Shieldsy doesn't have as much experience against his opponent, thanks in part to his many years in the Arena League. His record against Washington is a null set after two starts; he has allowed seven earned runs over 12.1 innings for a 5.11 ERA, most recently allowing four runs over 6.1 innings against them earlier this season.

Former Friars farmhand Trea Turner just got the call up to DC but is not in tonight's starting lineup. He is tasked with the undo pressure of sparking an underwhelming team that is getting blown out of the water in their division by my uncle's favorite team, the pwecious wittle Metsies.

Kickoff or tipoff or whatever goes down at 4:05 y'all's time, 7:05 mine and Nats fans'. Watch it! Or don't; I'm not your mom.