This game could be low scoring as Drew Pomeranz (4-3, 1.80 ERA) and the San Diego Padres (17-23) meet Johnny Cueto (5-1, 2.97 ERA) and the San Francisco Giants (23-18) in the second of a three-game series at Petco Park. The Giants won the last game 5-1, extending a six-game winning streak. The game starts at 10:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May. 18 and will air on CSBA and FSSD.
In his most recent outing, Pomeranz pitched 6.0 innings, giving up zero runs, striking out 10 and walking three in a 1-0 victory over the Cubs. Matt Kemp (.250, 20 Rs, 10 HRs, 29 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI. The Giants were also victorious the last time Cueto pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 7.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out nine and walking two in a 4-2 victory over the Diamondbacks. Brandon Belt (.311, 20 Rs, 4 HRs, 22 RBIs) has been hitting the ball well for the Giants, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. Against teams in the NL West, the Padres have a SU record of 14-11. Over their past 10 games, San Diego’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. They typically aren’t overmatched by pitchers, ranking fourth in the NL with an average of only 9.3 strikeouts per game. San Diego’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 0.0 during that span, compared to its 0.0 season average.
Against divisional opponents, the Giants are 7-11 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. The Giants average 4.0 walks per game, making them one of the most disciplined teams in the NL. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the San Francisco pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0. They also allow just 2.6 walks per game, good for fourth in the NL.
The previous four games have all gone San Francisco’s way.
Predictions: SU Winner – SF
Notes
San Diego has won 47% (9-10) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, San Francisco has won 54% (7-6) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Giants are coming into this game after allowing no walks during their last outing. The Padres have a 1-7 record when opponents don’t give up any walks.
When they are outhit, the Padres are 5-17. The Giants have a 6-17 record when opponents outhit them.
Both San Diego and San Francisco are tied at 24th in home runs, hitting 36 this season.
Ranking 25th, San Diego is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.79 per game. San Francisco ranks in the top 10 at eighth with 8.95.
Ranking 29th, San Diego is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.654). San Francisco ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .749.
The Giants are 8-15 when they allow at least one home run. The Padres perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 7-13 record.
