Ian Kennedy (6-10, 4.49 ERA) and the San Diego Padres (52-60) go up against David Holmberg (1-0, 3.27 ERA) and the Cincinnati Reds (49-60) in the first of a three-game series at Petco Park. The Padres go into this series looking to snap a six-game losing streak. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 10 and will air on FSOH and FSSD.
In his most recent outing, Kennedy pitched 7.0 innings, allowing four runs and striking out seven in an 8-5 loss to the Brewers. Will Venable (.261, 34 Rs, 6 HRs, 28 RBIs, 10 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 3 for 4 with one RBI. The Reds were unsuccessful to the Cardinals 4-3 the last time Holmberg pitched. He went 5.0 innings, giving up two runs, striking out three and walking three.
San Diego, a -144 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Cincinnati. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is seven runs. The Padres are 26-22 as the favorite and have an overall money line of -816. They have struggled as the favorite over their last 10 games, going 0-2. The Padres are a dangerous hitting team with 289 extra base hits, one of the highest totals in the MLB.
Moving on to the away team, the Reds come into this game with a weak win percentage of .361 when playing as the underdog (22-39) and an overall money line of -979. The Reds have racked up 104 steals on the year, making them the most threatening base-running team in the league. Cincinnati’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 2.8 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 4.3. They also allow just 8.3 hits per game, good for fifth in the NL.
In their previous three games this season, the Padres have a 2-1 record. This game will feature Holmberg (LHP) on the mound against the Padres, who have a 12-11 record when they take on a left-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Reds will be the right-hander Kennedy. They sport a 37-46 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – SD, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, San Diego is 27-24, while Cincinnati is 17-25.
The Reds are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded four strikeouts. The Padres have a record of 3-3 when opponents’ pitchers have that many strikeouts or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Reds are 38-16. The Padres have a 38-12 record when outhitting opponents.
Both falling near the bottom of the league based on total runs this season, San Diego ranks 21st with 436 runs and Cincinnati is 23rd with 426.
Ranking 21st, San Diego is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 283 this season. Cincinnati ranks in the top 10 at 10th with 333.
When the Padres hit at least one home run, they are 35-22. When the Reds hit at least one homer, they have a 41-28 record.
