Miami @ San Diego preview

Last Meeting ( May 6, 2013 ) Miami 0, San Diego 5

The San Diego Padres are no longer in the National League West basement as they host the Miami Marlins in Tuesday’s second contest of a three-game series. The Padres passed the Los Angeles Dodgers when they blanked the Marlins 5-0 on Monday for their ninth win in 12 games. It was the fifth time Miami has been shut out this season and the Marlins have scored the fewest runs (98) in the majors.

Miami starter Alex Sanabia pitches at Petco Park for the first time. Sanabia attended high school about 15 miles to the southeast in the San Diego suburb of Chula Vista before being selected by the Marlins in the 32nd round of the 2006 draft. San Diego second baseman Jedd Gyorko hit his third homer in six games after failing to hit one in April. The rookie is batting .333 over his last 14 games. Andrew Cashner (four hits in 7 1/3 innings) and Dale Thayer combined for Monday’s five-hit shutout, which was San Diego’s first of the season.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Florida (Miami), Fox Sports San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Alex Sanabia (2-4, 4.67 ERA) vs. Padres LH Eric Stults (2-2, 5.08)

Sanabia has lost three straight decisions after winning two of his first three outings. He gave up four runs (two earned) and six hits in five innings while losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in his last start. Sanabia has nearly as many walks (18) as strikeouts (19) and has allowed five homers in 34 2/3 innings. He has a 7-7 career mark in 24 appearances (20 starts).

Stults received a no-decision in his last outing despite putting forth his best work since his first start of the season. He gave up two runs and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings against the Chicago Cubs, his top effort since blanking the New York Mets for five innings on April 4. Stults has a fine strikeout-to-walk ratio of 25 to 6 in 33 2/3 innings. He has a 9.00 ERA in two home starts this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami has scored two runs or less in four of its last five games.

2. Padres 3B Chase Headley had two hits Monday to extend his hitting streak to 11 games.

3. Marlins OF Logan Morrison (knee) will begin playing extended spring training games Tuesday, according to manager Mike Redmond.

PREDICTION: Padres 6, Marlins 5