Eric Stults will try to continue a string of strong pitching from Padres starters as he takes the mound today in Game 2 against the Phillies. The left-hander still hasn't collected a win in the second half of the season. Since the All Star Break, he has gone 0-6 while posting a 5.68 ERA through nine starts. His most recent outing was the Padres' only loss in seven starts. He gave up a career-high seven runs on nine hits in 4 2/3 innings against the Giants. Stults is making just his second career start versus the Phillies. Back in June he gave up two runs on seven hits in seven innings of work against them, but didn't factor into the decision.
Cliff Lee will take the hill for Philadelphia, taking the place of Roy Halladay who is getting some extra rest to overcome flu-like symptoms. Over his last four starts, he is 2-0 with a 1.89 ERA and has 27 strikeouts in that stretch, spanning 28 innings. In his most recent start, he limited the Braves to just one run on two hits while racking up ten strikeouts in eight innings of work. Lee also pitched eight innings in that same game Stults pitched back in June. He gave up two runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out seven, but like Stults, got the no-decision. Prior to that outing, he had gone 1-2 with a 7.79 ERA in three starts against San Diego.
Join us at 4:05 this afternoon to see is the Padres can clinch their third straight series win.