San Diego @ Tampa Bay preview

Last Meeting ( May 10, 2013 ) San Diego 3, Tampa Bay 6

The improving San Diego Padres will learn a lot about themselves over the next two weeks during a 12-game stretch. The Padres started their difficult run by coughing up a three-run lead and look to rebound in the second of a three-game series at the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday. The Padres, who have won 11 of 15 games, go to Baltimore for a pair before hosting National League powers Washington and St. Louis. Tampa Bay has woken up, totaling 21 runs in three straight wins.

The Rays continue to get big hits from Ben Zobrist, who has knocked in 24 runs to match Evan Longoria for the team lead. Tampa Bay, which finished 18th in runs scored last season, is seventh in 2013. The Padres hope Carlos Quentin, who was 0-for-19 in May coming into the series opener, can build off his solo homer in the first inning Friday.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports San Diego, Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Burch Smith (NR) vs. Rays RH Jeremy Hellickson (1-2, 4.79 ERA)

Smith is being called up from Double-A San Antonio to make his major-league debut. The 23-year-old Tyler, Texas native was 1-2 at San Antonio in six starts with a 1.15 ERA over 31 1/3 innings, striking out 37. The 6-4, 215-pound right-hander was selected in the 14th round of the 2011 draft by the Padres out of the University of Oklahoma and has 34 minor-league appearances.

Hellickson has struggled his last three starts after a trio of strong outings when he gave up five runs over 19 innings. The right-hander has walked nine and thrown 303 pitches in his last three appearances, which totaled only 16 innings. Hellickson had a 7-3 lead after five innings last Monday before the bullpen imploded in an 8-7 loss against Toronto. The 26-year-old has never faced San Diego.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rays have belted 36 homers since April 15, the most in the league over that period.

2. San Diego had three stolen bases on Friday and has 27 in all – tied for the most in the majors

3. Tampa Bay C Jose Molina is listed day-to-day with a bruised right knee.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, Padres 3