San Diego @ Chicago preview

San Diego at Chi. Cubs

Last Meeting ( Apr 29, 2013 ) San Diego 3, Chi. Cubs 5

The Chicago Cubs have shown a penchant for playing close games, and now that the bullpen is doing its job, they're winning them. The Cubs have won four of five after a 5-3 victory over the visiting San Diego Padres on Monday, and they'll try to continue the hot streak when the four-game series continues Tuesday. The loss snapped a season-high four-game winning streak for the Padres.

Chicago's relief corps got off to a horrible start as the Cubs couldn't settle on a closer, but the bullpen has been outstanding of late. Four relievers combined for four scoreless frames Monday and Kevin Gregg got the last four outs for his fourth save. The success of that unit is critical to a team that already has played 10 one-run games - they are 4-6 - and has had all 25 of its contests decided by four runs or fewer. The Padres snapped out of their offensive slump during a three-game sweep at San Francisco over the weekend, but they only scored three runs on eight hits Monday and have scored three runs or fewer in 16 of 25 games.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, Fox Sports San Diego, WCIU (Chicago)

After getting knocked around while losing his first three starts, Volquez has turned things around his past two outings. He picked up his first win with seven scoreless innings Wednesday against Milwaukee. Volquez has owned the Cubs, going 4-0 with a 2.21 ERA in six starts, including a 2-0 mark at Wrigley Field.

Jackson is still in search of his first win in a Cubs uniform, but he has recorded quality starts in consecutive outings. He held Miami to three runs over six innings Thursday but didn't factor in the decision. Jackson is 0-3 with a 4.32 ERA in eight games (six starts) against the Padres.

WALK-OFFS

1. Volquez did not issue a walk in his last outing, marking only the fourth time he has achieved that feat in 127 career starts.

2. Cubs 2B Darwin Barney, who had a pair of RBI doubles Monday, is 4-for-9 against Volquez.

3. Padres slugger Carlos Quentin, who is 0-for-8 with five strikeouts over the past two games, is 5-for-14 with two doubles and a homer against Jackson.

PREDICTION: Padres 4, Cubs 3