Total play for friday
It's a week in Florida for the Padres here. After taking 2 of 3 against the Rays...they go outside to face the Marlins. They really proved themselves by facing a high profile AL team and beating them. Richard has been very good. The Sox probably would like him back right now. Richard is coming off his worst outing of the season by giving up 5 runs (4 earned) and any other time he's come off a non-quality start...he's pitched very well. In the 4 other starts following a non-quality start...he has a 1.43 ERA and the Padres are 4-0. So he bounces back well after bad outings and that really gives him the edge here. The Padres have lost his last 3 starts though. Volstad is not pitching well, nor does he bounce back like Richard does. But...he does pitch better at home then on the road. He has a 3.22 ERA at home which is much better than his 5.72 road ERA. But...whether he pitches good or bad...the Marlins don't seem to win with him on the mound. They're 4-10 for him on the season and only 1-7 in his last 8 starts. The Padres have had trouble hitting lately as they only hit .227 v lefties in their last 10 games. But...they usually rely on their pitching to win them their games more than their offense anyway. Both teams are 4-2 in their last 6 so they're playing similar ball. HUGE bullpen disparity here. While the Padres rank #1 with a 2.63 ERA...the Marlins are ranked 22nd with a 4.65 ERA. That alone may be the difference maker of the series.
Under 8.5-115
Under 8.5-115
