Padres Preview: 04/15 Friars return home, still seeking first run at Petco Park

The Padres started their road trip on a high note, defeating the Rockies with double-digit run totals in back-to-back games. But they couldn't pull off a sweep in Colorado and they lost three in a four-game set in Philadelphia the rest of the way to end. And so they stand at 3-7 in their first ten games of the season and about to begin another series against a division rival. This time it will be the Diamondbacks, who come to Petco Park looking to keep the Padres scoreless, as they have been at home so far this season.

Last year's Opening Day starter, James Shields, will get the ball in tonight's series opener, making his third start of the season. Shields had mixed results against the Diamondbacks last year. He went 2-2 with a 4.97 ERA in four games against them. That's about right in line with his career stats against Arizona - a 3-3 record and 5.30 ERA in six starts overall.

On the other hand, tonight's Dbacks starter has had a lot of success facing the Padres in the past, but tonight will be his first time facing them as a member of his new team. Zack Greinke, acquired by Arizona this past offseason, is 6-1 with a 1.56 ERA in 12 career starts against San Diego.

It's a late start tonight, so hopefully our non-West Coast folks are ready to stay up late. First pitch by Shields is set for 7:40 pm PT.