Cincinnati Reds Look to Keep It Going in San Diego

After sweeping the Diamondbacks in Arizona, the Reds head to San Diego for a weekend series against the Padres at PETCO Park.

The Reds are 20-14, tied with the Cubs for second place in the NL Central.  Both teams are 1/2 game behind the Brewers and Cardinals, who are tied for the top spot at 21-14.

At 13-22, the Padres and Diamondbacks share a spot at the bottom of the NL West.

Alex Gonzalez is expected to start tonight.  He has not played since May 4th because of a strained oblique.

Three Reds will look to extend personal hitting streaks.  Willy Taveras (14) and Jerry Hairston (9) have been excellent at the top of the batting order.  Brandon Phillips has hit in 11 consecutive games.

Game 1: Friday, May 15 at 10:05 PM ET

CIN: Aaron Harang, RHP (3-3, 2.93)

Aaron Harang repeatedly escaped trouble in his last start against the Cardinals.  He allowed the leadoff man to reach base four times.  Albert Pujols came to the plate three times with runners in scoring position, but Harang did not allow the slugger to capitalize even once.

SD: Kevin Correia, RHP (0-2, 5.34)

There is a chance that the Padres will activate Cha Seung Baek from the disabled list.  If that happens, he could make the start and Correia would likely go to the bullpen.

Game 2: Saturday, May 16 at 10:05 PM ET

CIN: Edinson Volquez, RHP (4-2, 4.40)

Volquez took a string of 16-scoreless innings into his last start on Sunday.  The Cardinals put an end to that streak in a big way, scoring seven earned runs in 6 2/3 innings.

SD: Josh Geer, RHP (0-1, 5.14)

Geer also had a rough time in his last start.  He gave up five earned runs on seven hits and failed to make it out of the third inning.

Game 3: Sunday, May 17 at 4:05 PM ET

CIN: Bronson Arroyo, RHP (5-2, 7.02)

Arroyo allowed five runs on ten hits in seven innings against the Diamondbacks in his last start, but got the win thanks to a 13-run attack by the Cincinnati offense.

SD: Jake Peavy, RHP (2-5, 4.30)

Peavy has pitched well in his last three starts but has nothing to show for it.  He has had little run support.  In those three starts, the Padres have scored just three runs.