Having snapped their 12-game losing streak, the host Chicago Cubs try to make it two in a row Tuesday against reeling San Diego. The Padres fell to 1-7 on their 10-game road trip with Monday’s 11-7 loss. But at least they can take some solace in finally plating some runs after entering the game on a 26-inning scoreless streak.
Chicago shortstop Starlin Castro is 8-for-22 over his current five-game hitting streak, and he hit one of four Cubs homers Monday. Leadoff hitter David DeJesus also is hot; he tripled twice Monday and has hit in seven straight.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, FSSD, CSN
PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Eric Stults (1-0, 1.96 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jeff Samardzija (4-3, 3.00 ERA)
Stults was hit in the left triceps by a comebacker last Thursday against the Mets, but is reportedly fine to make the start. He allowed one run over five innings against New York, notching his first victory since 2009. Stults was acquired from the White Sox a couple weeks ago.
Samardzija has a 4.55 ERA in five day-game starts, with batters hitting .274 against him. He’s been dominant at night, posting a 1.32 ERA and holding opponents to a .188 average. However, he’s allowed three or fewer runs in six straight starts and has a fine WHIP of 1.18.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Padres left fielder Carlos Quentin made his season debut Monday after returning from knee surgery. He batted cleanup and went 1-for-4 with an RBI double and a walk.
2. San Diego is 5-17 on the road.
3. Chicago own the NL’s worst record at 16-32, one game worse than San Diego’s 17-33.