San Diego @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 4, 2014 ) San Diego 2, Miami 8

The San Diego Padres look to snap a three-game losing streak on Saturday against the host Miami Marlins, who have used a surprisingly potent offense to win four of their first five games. The Marlins ranked last in the majors in batting average and runs scored last season, but have totaled 35 runs with 15 extra-base hits through five games. While Miami has been one of the majors’ top stories during the first week, injury-plagued San Diego is off to another slow start.

The Padres’ injury list includes starting outfielders Carlos Quentin and Cameron Maybin, as well as pitchers Cory Luebke, Josh Johnson and Joe Wieland. San Diego, which started 9-20 in 2012 and 5-15 last season, lost the series opener 8-2 and has scored a total of eight runs during its 1-3 start. The Padres face an uphill battle against Miami ace Jose Fernandez and a lineup that includes third baseman Casey McGehee, who leads the National League with 10 RBIs.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Andrew Cashner (0-0, 1.50 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Fernandez (1-0, 1.50)

Cashner picked up where he left off last season by yielding one run over six innings Sunday against the Dodgers. The 27-year-old turned in eight consecutive quality starts dating back to Aug. 14 with 50 strikeouts against nine walks during that stretch. He’s 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA in six career appearances (two starts) against the Marlins.

Fernandez matched a franchise Opening Day strikeout record with nine against the Rockies on Monday, when he allowed one run over six innings. Last season’s top National League rookie is especially tough at home, where he is 10-0 with a 1.21 ERA. The 21-year-old faced the Padres once last season, striking out 10 over eight shutout innings in a 4-0 victory on July 1, 2013.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Padres are 4-for-30 with runners in scoring position.

2. Marlins closer Steve Cishek has allowed one unearned run in 13 1/3 innings against San Diego.

3. Padres 1B Yonder Alonso is batting .378 with seven doubles and two home runs in 12 career games against the Marlins.

PREDICTION: Marlins 4, Padres 1