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After another big win against the Pirates that saw the good guys small-ball and homer their way to an 8-2 conclusion, the Padres are sending James Shields to the bump in hopes to clinch their first sweep of the season.
Shields has performed well against the Buccos (1.38 ERA against last season) despite not earning a decision in either of those two games last year. James is currently boasting an 0-2 record with a 4.05 ERA. In an unfortunate continuation of last year's 33 home runs surrendered, Shields has currently allowed 4 home runs this season; all single-scoring runs. Overall, the Pirates have slashed .136/.260/.212 against Shields.
His counterpart is Gerrit Cole, who is coming off a solid showing against the Tigers that saw him surrender only two runs on four hits. Cole is 2-1 with a 2.04 ERA career against San Diego. The Padres bats will have to prove they can stay hot against talented right-handed pitching.
The Padres are currently riding a 2 game win streak and are hoping to sweep a Pirates team that has not been swept since September of last year. Jemile Weeks made a great first impression on the main stage, collecting a hit and RBI. Adam Rosales will continue to man the hot corner with Yangervis Solarte making his way back from a DL stint and is making the most of the opportunity, flashing the leather and collecting a star on a well-hit ball after the first game's home run and tepid defensive approach.
Fun fact: Dreadlocked John Jaso caught 164 1/3 innings for James Shields when both players were members of the Tampa Bay Rays.
Tonight's game kicks off an hour earlier at 6:10PM (and hopefully ends as fast as last night's contest).
Game Time: 6:10 PM
Radio: The Mighty 1090, La Poderosa 860 (Spanish)
TV: FSSD, Fox Deportes San Diego (Spanish)