The Los Angeles Dodgers (30-40) and San Diego Padres (36-36) will meet for a Thursday night matchup at Petco Park to begin their weekend series. The first pitch is set for 10:10 p.m. ET and will air live on MLB.com with a paid subscription.
Despite owning the league lead for most walks allowed, Padres starter Jason Marquis (9-2) hasn't lost in nearly two months. He is looking to gain his ninth consecutive win and fourth consecutive against Los Angeles.
During his past 10 starts, Marquis has gone 8-0 with a 3.25 ERA. He managed to do so after bouncing back from a season-worst seven runs allowed performance that lasted 4 2/3 innings in a 7-1 loss to Milwaukee on April 22.
In his most recent appearance, Marquis allowed three runs, three hits and four walks in 6 2/3 innings during a 6-4 win over Arizona. If successful against the Dodgers, he will become the first San Diego pitcher to win nine consecutive decisions since Kevin Brown did so en route to winning 11 straight May 26-Aug. 5, 1998.
"Marquis is a tough matchup, he's given us trouble," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly told MLB's official website. "He seems like he pitches good every time. He's a guy that keeps the ball down. He can run the ball at you and break the ball off the plate to the other side. He's tough."
The Dodgers will make their first trip back to Petco since Padres outfielder Carlos Quentin collided with Dodgers righty Zack Greinke, causing the pitcher to suffer a broken collarbone. In their six games since, San Diego won four games capturing each series at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers will send out starter Stephen Fife (1-2). Fife currently owns a 3.74 ERA and is coming off a five inning performance in which he allowed just two runs before being saddled with his second loss.
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