In the first of a three-game series between the San Diego Padres (59-62) and the St. Louis Cardinals (77-43) at Petco Park, Andrew Cashner (4-12, 4.20 ERA) and John Lackey (10-7, 2.87 ERA) get the ball. The game starts at 10:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 21 and will air on FSMW and FSSD.
In his last start, Cashner pitched 5.0 innings, giving up four runs, striking out two and walking two in a 7-5 loss to the Rockies. Yangervis Solarte (.268, 45 Rs, 9 HRs, 47 RBIs, 1 SB) continued his strong season Wednesday, going 3 for 3 with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. The Cardinals were victorious the last time Lackey pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 8.1 innings, allowing two runs, striking out six and walking one in a 6-2 victory over the Marlins.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. Over their past 10 games, San Diego’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 5.2 runs per game, well over their season average of 4.0. The Padres are a dangerous hitting team with 321 extra base hits, one of the highest totals in the MLB.
St. Louis has an eye for the strike zone on the road, ranking 2.9 in the NL with fifth walks per game. Shifting to the pitching staff, they have the lowest ERA in the NL at 2.59. They have a WHIP of 1.20, third best in the MLB. They also have some of the most overpowering arms in the NL with an average of 8.1 strikeouts per game.
The Padres will take on a right-hander (Lackey) in this game and have a 45-50 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Cardinals will be the right-hander Cashner. Right-handed starters haven’t been a big issue for them as they sport a 60-28 record.
Predictions: SU Winner – StL
Notes
San Diego has won 54% (30-26) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, St. Louis has won 62% (24-15) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Cardinals are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Padres have a 27-39 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Cardinals are 48-14. The Padres have a 43-12 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 22nd, St. Louis sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 472 this season. San Diego ranks in the bottom half at 18th with 485.
Ranking 22nd, San Diego is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 313 this season. St. Louis ranks in the top 10 at 10th with 361.
When the Padres hit at least one home run, they are 41-23, well-matched with the Cardinals who are 49-20 when hitting one or more homers.
