The Dodgers spoiled our hopes of a sweep last night, but the series win is still in play as our Padres close out their five-game homestand this afternoon.
Eric Stults, owner of the worst ERA (5.76) on the Padres staff, gets the call in today's rubber game, and he's long overdue for a good outing rewarded by a win. Not only is Stults trying to avoid becoming the league's second 10-game loser this season, but he's looking for his first win in eight attempts. The ex-Dodger is 0-6 with a 6.56 ERA over his last seven starts and riding a four-game losing streak going into today's matchup. Against his former team, he's just 1-3 with a 4.30 ERA in five career starts.
Stultsy's opponent today, Hyun-jin Ryu, has just two career appearances against San Diego under his belt. Last August he pitched his way to a win, going 6 1/3 innings and allowing just one run on eight hits. On March 30th, the Padres' season opener this year, the southpaw allowed no runs and only three hits through seven innings, but got a no-decision for his effort as the Dodgers went on to lose. Ryu spent almost a month out of action earlier this season with a shoulder injury, but has gone 5-1 with a 3.38 ERA since his return. He's coming off a home win against the Rockies in which he gave up three hours, including a homer in six innings of work.
The deciding game of the series kicks off at 1:10 PDT.