Game 155 Preview: 09/26 Padres vs. Diamondbacks

The Padres collectively, and Robbie Erlin specifically, are both looking to bounce back against the Diamondbacks this evening. The team lost the first game of the series last night and Erlin was less than stellar a week ago in his season debut. Like, way less than stellar. He only lasted three innings, allowing seven singles, a pair of doubles, and a walk; all that added up to seven earned runs. Of course he hasn't faced the Diamondbacks this year, but he did make two starts against them back in 2013; he allowed nine hits, three walks, and three earned runs over thirteen innings. He was credited with a win in his first start against them, and a no-decision exactly one year ago to the day.

Arizona starter Jeremy Hellickson has made 24 more starts than Erlin, with a 9-10 record and 4.73 ERA to show for it. This will be his sixth start against the Padres this year; he's 1-3 with an 8.37 ERA in 23.2 innings, allowing 34 hits (five of which left the yard) and eight walks. He also started against San Diego once back in 2013 when he was still with the Rays, but that doesn't really mean much due to the massive personnel changes. For the record, he got knocked around then too, giving up six earned runs in 6.2 innings.

I hate having to accept that baseball season is almost over; I guess I'd better enjoy this last handful of games to the fullest. Handful? Handfuls? How many games can one fit in a hand anyway?