Toronto @ San Diego preview
Petco Park
Last Meeting ( Jun 14, 2010 ) Toronto 6, San Diego 3
The Toronto Blue Jays haven't enjoyed a winning streak in nearly two weeks - but they have to like their chances Tuesday night.
The Blue Jays send Brett Cecil to the mound as they face the San Diego Padres in the second of a three-game series at Petco Park. Toronto won Monday's opener, 6-3, to halt a three-game losing streak in which they scored just six total runs.
Faced with a relentless June schedule, the Jays had dropped six of seven prior to Tuesday's victory. They'll try to make it two straight wins for the first time since they recorded consecutive home victories over the New York Yankees on June 4-5.
They're in good hands with Cecil (7-2), who has been one of the biggest surprises of the season to date. The second-year left-hander has won his last five decisions, a scorching stretch that has seen him allow just six runs over his previous 36 1/3 innings. His ERA over that span has plummeted from a season high of 5.46 to a scintillating 3.22 - good for 11th in the American League.
Cecil played the role of slump-buster the last time out, earning a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays as the Blue Jays avoided a three-game sweep. Cecil limited the powerhouse Tampa Bay offense to one run on three hits over 6 2/3 effective innings - his second victory over the Rays this season.
He'll likely be encouraged by Toronto's performance in the series opener. Led by a pair of homers from John Buck and a three-hit, three-RBI effort from Aaron Hill, the Jays pounded out 12 hits to hand Jon Garland his first home loss of the season.
One of the only dents in Cecil's armor is his track record in outdoor games. Despite going 9-4 in his career away from domes, he sports a less-than-spectacular 5.62 ERA in 18 career outdoor starts.
The Padres counter with sophomore right-hander Mat Latos (6-4). He has also been red-hot of late, with a 5-1 record over his previous seven starts. That includes a victory in his last outing, as he surrendered just two runs on two hits in six innings to lead the Padres past the New York Mets 4-2.
Like Cecil, Latos has seen his ERA improve dramatically since the start of the season. Beginning with back-to-back shutouts in early May, Latos has allowed two or fewer runs in six of his last seven games, dropping his ERA from 6.20 to 3.24.
Both teams are hoping the nearby tectonic plates cooperate during the second game of the series. Monday's opener was halted briefly after a nearby earthquake rattled Petco Park, sending the foul poles swaying as the crowd cheered deliriously.