On Sunday, the San Diego Padres (83-65, 43-30 away) will face off against the San Francisco Giants (72-76, 41-35 home) for the last time this season. After Friday’s game, the Giants hold a narrow 6-5 lead in their season series. Oracle Park will host this matchup, starting at 4:05 p.m. EST. The question remains: who will claim victory in this fierce NL West rivalry?
Padres Seek Momentum Shift
With the NL wild-card race tightening, the Padres find themselves in urgent need of a resurgence. Recently, their performance has lagged, and they must elevate their game to avoid being overtaken by competitors. San Diego’s offense has shown promise, ranking eighth in the league in runs per game. The team also boasts impressive statistics, including leading the majors in strikeout rate and batting average. They stand sixth in on-base percentage, ninth in slugging percentage, tenth in stolen base percentage, and twelfth in home runs. However, their 7.6% walk rate, which ranks 25th, presents a notable area for improvement. Will their lineup deliver the necessary firepower to close out the season strong?
The Padres’ pitching has been inconsistent throughout the season. Martin Perez is set to return from the paternity list to take the mound for this game. Before joining San Diego, Perez faced the Giants twice, allowing five runs (two earned) over 10.2 innings. His previous outing at Oracle Park saw him giving up just one unearned run. Since joining the Padres, he has maintained a solid 2.84 ERA. The bullpen, supporting Perez, ranks 12th in ERA and fourth in FIP. They will be aiming to build on the momentum of Friday’s shutout victory.
Key Injuries – Ha-Seong Kim (out)
Predictions for Padres vs. Giants
The Padres have averaged 5.00 runs per game against the Giants this season. The Giants’ bullpen has shown vulnerability, which may benefit San Diego’s offense. With Martin Perez holding an impressive 1.74 ERA against the Giants this year, his performance is crucial. His strong outings have demonstrated his ability to limit scoring opportunities for San Francisco. Given the weaknesses in the Giants’ lineup, the Padres are well-positioned to secure a vital win.
