The Friars are back at Petco Park for a 10 game homestand before the All-Star break. As America's Finest Ballpark prepares for Fourth of July festivities, old friend Bruce Bochy and the Texas Rangers get set for three.
The Padres (46-40, 2nd in NL West) look to get back on track. They dropped a second straight series, this time to the Philadelphia Phillies after splitting a double-header on Wednesday. Manny Machado led the way offensively, while Nick Pivetta spun another gem in the day contest, going six innings to pick up his ninth win of the campaign. Dylan Cease's struggle-filled season continued in the latter game, giving up four earned runs on eight hits. Philadelphia left-hander Cristopher Sánchez stifled San Diego's bats over seven innings, ensuring a 5-1 Phillies victory.
The Rangers (43-44, 3rd in AL West) took a three game set from the Baltimore Orioles with a 6-0 shutout victory behind veteran righty Nathan Eovaldi. Texas' heavy hitters Marcus Semien and Corey Seager both hit no-doubt bombs, while Eovaldi struck out five batters over five frames, lowering his season ERA to an impressive 1.75 in the process.
Pitching matchups
Friday: Rangers RHP Kumar Rocker (3-4, 6.13 ERA) vs. Padres RHP Randy Vásquez (3-4, 3.84 ERA) 3:40 p.m. PT
Righty Kumar Rocker gets the ball to kick off Fourth of July against the Friars. The 25 year-old threw six innings against the Mariners in his last start, giving up two runs on four hits. He's had a rough go about pitching on the road, accumulating a 1-4 record with a less than ideal 11.34 ERA in 16 2/3 innings pitched.
Padres starter Randy Vásquez was roughed up in Cincinnati over 4 1/3 innings. He gave up four earned runs on eight hits, but took a no-decision after a six run offensive comeback for an eventual Friar victory. He pitches his best at home, maintaining a 3.14 ERA at Petco Park with 25 strikeouts.
Saturday: Rangers RHP Jack Leiter (4-5, 4.29 ERA) vs. Padres RHP Stephen Kolek (3-3, 3.73 ERA) 6:40 p.m. PT
Taking the mound for the middle game of the series for the Rangers is Kumar Rocker's Vanderbilt brother-in-arms Jack Leiter. He fired six innings of one run baseball across six innings of work against the Mariners in his latest start. Searching for his first individual victory since his start on May 30 against the St. Louis Cardinals
To counter Leiter, right-hander Stephen Kolek bounced back nicely in his most recent outing against the Reds. He tossed 5 1/3 frames while only surrendering one run and picking up five strikeouts. He'd likely appreciate a bit more run support this time around from the San Diego offense, as they only scored two runs to aid him at Great American Ballpark.
Sunday: Rangers LHP Patrick Corbin (4-7, 4.26 ERA) vs. Padres TBD 1:10 p.m. PT
Patrick Corbin's new found resurgence on the mound is paying dividends in his age 35 season. The tall lefty struck out six hitters through six innings against the Baltimore Orioles on June 30. He's holding left-hand batters to a .209 average this season.
Story will be updated once San Diego has announced a starting pitcher for Sunday's game.
Who's hot?
Rangers:
SS Corey Seager is batting .308 with four home runs in his last seven contests. 2B Marcus Semien owns a 1.102 OPS in his last 31 at-bats. SS Josh Smith is getting on base at a .394 clip in his last 15 contests. RHP Jacob Webb has a 2.16 ERA and nine strikeouts in his last seven appearances out of the bullpen.
Padres:
SS Xander Bogaerts batting .360 in his last 25 at-bats and tallied 11 extra-base hits in June. LHP Adrian Morejon looks to continue his rise to bullpen dominance. The lefty allowed zero earned runs in June and struck out 13 batters.
Early takeaways
The Rangers trail the Seattle Mariners by only two and a half games for the third American League Wild Card spot coming into the series. Living in the jaws of .500 baseball can sometimes create tricky situations for a front office. With trade deadline season underway, Texas' core will need to show GM Chris Young they're worth cashing in on this time of year. Taking two of three here would be a good start.
With the assured fact they'll finish out the first half at home, San Diego needs to get back to their winning ways. Since the 2020 season, the Padres have compiled a 12-1 record over the Rangers. A winning trend that they hope keeps falling in their favor. After Texas, they'll see the injury riddled Arizona Diamondbacks and red-hot Phillies once more before the break.
Noteworthy: Padres 3B Manny Machado was named a starter for the National League All-Star squad. RHP Eduarniel Nuñez remained on the big league roster after making mis Major League debut on Wednesday.