[pete_b]

The Padres start a three game series with the Pirates today. It should be a breeze for them. The Pads have been playing well as of late, .500 ball is the norm for the West. Pittsburgh is 20-34 and in dead last behind the Cubs and 14 and a half games out of first. Its Chan Ho Park vs. Perez. Perez has a 5.47 era in his ten starts and his record is 2-5. I have my fingers crossed and still waiting for a LONG losing streak.

[pete_b]

The Padres totally destroyed the Pirates in the first game of the series by a score of 7-0. Chan Ho Park pitched six scoreless innings before the game was called for rain. Giles had a three run homer and Piazza hit a two run homer for the Pads. Not any surprise here.

Tonite, Thompson of the Pads will take on Duke of the Pirates. Duke, in his eleven starts, has a 4.27 era and a 3-6 record. Lets see if the Pirates can at least get one from the Pads.

[pete_b]

In the second game of the series versus the Pirates, the Pads lost 6-4 bringing their record to 29-26. Thompson for the Pads was credited with the loss after giving up five runs in the first inning. He only lasted three innings after that. Duke for the Pirates went seven full innings and struck out four and only gave up four hits. The Pads scored three runs on those four hits including a double by Greene in the first.

Next up is Young vs. Santos. Young has a 3.80 era and is coming off an eight inning start with the Rockies. Santos has a high 4.94 era and his record is 3-5. Logic here says Pads, but I'm hoping Pirates.

[pete_b]

Padres took two out of three in Pittsburgh by winning the final game of the series 1-0. Young pitched eight strong shut out innings before handing the ball over to Hoffman. This was what they did all year in '98 if anyone remembers.

Today the Pads start a series against Brewers.