Series Preview – Cards @ Padres

On the road again…  After a 3-3 home stand, the Cardinals head out to Southern California for a three game series against San Diego, followed by three against the Dodgers.  During the last road trip, the Cards went 3-5 after winning the first two in Colorado. Hopefully this trip ends with better results.

Game one is tonight, where the Birds may have dodged a bullet, not having to face San Diego’s ace Jake Peavy.  He’s sidelined with a sore right elbow.  In his place, Wilfredo Ledezma.  He’s made several appearances in relief, but tonight will be only his second start.  He lasted just four innings in his last start in Atlanta on May 8th. The Cardinals give the ball to Todd Wellemeyer, who’s been sneaky good so far this season.

It’s Greg Maddux and Joel Pineiro tomorrow night, and Chris Young against Braden Looper on Wednesday.

The Cardinals are 26-20 overall, and 9-10 on the road. Meanwhile, the Padres enter tonight with the worst record in baseball at 16-29.  After the series win over the Rays this past weekend, the Cards should have some momentum heading into this one.  I’d look for them to come out ahead in this series too.

The start times of these West Coast games always keep me up late.  Since I live in Florida, first pitch isn’t until after ten.  But, I’m a die hard, so I won’t miss a pitch.  I’d stay up for 23 innings if I had to.  I do have to work tomorrow though, so maybe the Colonel can throw a two-hour no-hitter!