Arizona @ San Diego preview

Last Meeting ( Mar 19, 2013 ) San Diego 6, Arizona 2

The San Diego Padres snatched a victory on Thursday afternoon and earned a split of four-game road trip. When they host the Arizona Diamondbacks in the opener of a three-game series on Friday, the last-place Padres will be looking for their fifth straight home win. The Diamondbacks have lost three straight and have had trouble closing out games throughout the first month. Arizona blew its league-leading 10th save on Wednesday.

The Diamondbacks led in each of their last three games before letting it slip away against the San Francisco Giants. Closer J.J. Putz has blown four saves and David Hernandez, who was strong as a setup man last season, has struggled as well when given the chance. Hernandez took the loss on Wednesday after walking a pair and surrendering a three-run homer in a 9-6 setback. San Diego’s offense is not quite as potent as the Giants but it did put together a late rally on Thursday. The Padres trailed 2-0 before scoring four in the eighth to steal a win from the Chicago Cubs.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Arizona, Fox Sports San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Wade Miley (2-0, 2.37 ERA) vs. Padres RH Jason Marquis (2-2, 4.20)

Miley has yet to allow more than three runs in an outing but struggled with his control last time out and lasted only 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision against Colorado. The Louisiana native did not allow a run but walked seven batters to run up his pitch count. Miley has been one of the best young starters in baseball over the last year but that success has not extended to San Diego, which has knocked him around for a 6.08 ERA in four starts.

Marquis is coming a strong start Sunday against San Francisco, when he allowed two runs and six hits over 6 2/3 innings to pick up a win. The veteran right-hander has allowed two earned runs or less in four of his five turns but has issued 14 walks in 30 total innings. Marquis is just 2-7 with a 4.30 ERA in 15 career games (14 starts) against Arizona.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres 3B Chase Headley told MLB.com that he would not negotiate a contract extension during the season.

2. Diamondbacks LH Matt Reynolds is the exception in the bullpen. He has yet to be scored upon in 14 innings.

3. San Diego took 11 of 18 in the series last season.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 7, Padres 4