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What a wild win last night! A five-run rally to top the division leaders is the kind of win that can help bring a clubhouse together and put some confidence in some guys. Now the Padres are 1-2 with one game left in this four-game series, and they’re 3-3 overall against the Diamondbacks this season. A win today would earn a split for the series and they would hold the edge on the season matchup.
The Padres are sending Jered Weaver to the mound tonight, and he’s settled right in as a stabilizing veteran in the middle of this rotation. He’s only allowed exactly two runs in each of his last three starts, which each lasted six full innings. One thing to watch is home runs. He’s given up ten earned runs this season and seven homers. If he can keep the ball in the park he can be very effective. That’s a tall order against this strong lineup in the thin desert air.
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Taijuan Walker gets tonight’s start for the Diamondbacks. Once a top prospect in the Mariners, he was long considered a “future ace” candidate. The shine wore off and he was traded to the Diamondbacks in the Jean Segura deal. He still has elite stuff, but like so many, he’s struggled with command through his MLB career. This season he’s had trouble getting deep in to games, so it would be wise for Padres hitters to work some counts and chase him early with a high pitch count.
With the series split and season lead on the line, this is a game that both teams should be hungry to win. After last night’s exciting come-from-behind victory, expect the Padres’ kids to take the field with some energy tonight!
Game Time: 6:40 start PDT.
Radio: 94.9FM, XEMO 860AM (Sp.)
TV: FSSD, Fox Deportes SD
Online: MLB.tv