Game Thread: 8/8 Diamondbacks @ Padres

We’re running it back at Petco tonight with the Diamondbacks after a blank job by the Padres yesterday evening. Three solo homes by Fernando Tatis Jr, Jake Cronenworth, and Edward Olivares were all that the Friars needed to stay ahead of the D-backs for a 3-0 victory.

Even after the comparatively low offensive output on Friday night, the Padres are still second in the majors with 75 total runs scored. The divisional rival Dodgers are the only team that has more with 77. However, there’s a massive drop from Los Angeles’ point differential (+38) compared to San Diego’s (+11).

SP Zach Davies’ performance last night recouped some of the lost confidence in the bullpen from recent day which is great and Chris Paddack (2-0) has a chance to really keep that momentum alive with another clean line tonight. He’ll be facing right-hander Merrill Kelly who is 1-0 in two starts with 11 Ks through 13.2 innings pitched.

Tatis Jr. is a riding a hotstreal on various levels. He’s gotten on base in every game this season and another base hit tonight will set his career-long in the category. He’s also homered in three of the last four games so the Padres would love it if that continued, as well.

Starting Lineup:

The Hoz is back in the lineup tonight after missing a good deal of time due to gastrointestinal issues. He’s slotted back in at first base and will bat fifth tonight. The top four remains the same with Myers and Cronenworth at sixth and seventh. Hedges is your catcher for the night while Garcia gets the nod at DH and will bat ninth.

Diamondbacks

• SP Mike Leake - Out

Padres

• SS Jorge Mateo - Covid-19

Game info

• Teams: Diamondbacks @ Padres
• Location: Petco Park
• Time: 6:10pm PT
• TV: FOX Sports San Diego
• Radio: KWFN 97.3, XEMO 860
• Weather: 68 degrees and cloudy