Braves vs Padres Preview: Pitching Showdown in Petco

Atlanta comes into Petco Park trying to stop the bleeding. The Braves just lost three straight games and have won only three of their last ten. That's rough for a team with a 48-30 record that should be rolling. But here's the good news: they beat the Padres in yesterday's game 6-7 in ten innings, so they know they can win here. Martin Perez takes the mound for Atlanta tonight. The Braves have star power up and down the lineup when everyone is healthy. Ronald Acuña Jr. is out with a hamstring injury, but players like Dubón and Olson are swinging hot bats. Atlanta needs this game to get back on track.

San Diego just grabbed two straight wins and is hungry for more. The Padres sit at 41-37, which keeps them in the hunt in a tough division. They play at home, which always helps. Manny Machado came through with a huge hit in the last game—a single in the tenth inning that walked off against Atlanta. Tatis Jr. also crushed a home run 410 feet to center field earlier. The Padres' lineup has heat right now. JP Sears gets the start tonight, and if San Diego's bats stay hot, they can win this matchup. Mason Miller in the bullpen is one of baseball's best closers.

Martin Perez of Atlanta takes the mound against San Diego's JP Sears. These two pitchers will set the tone for how this game plays out. Atlanta's pitching staff is built on elite talent and experience. Spencer Strider is on the injured list, but the Braves still have weapons. Sears will face a Braves lineup that scored six runs yesterday against the Padres. San Diego's offense showed life recently with Machado and Tatis Jr. driving in runs. Both teams need this win badly. Thursday's matchup could swing momentum in the National League West race. First pitch is coming soon.