San Diego @ Tampa Bay preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 24, 2010 ) San Diego 3, Tampa Bay 5

The Tampa Bay Rays recovered to win their last two games after a pair of discouraging collapses and it’s time for them to make a run. The Rays look to improve their 10-6 home record when the suddenly-hot San Diego Padres visit for a three-game series that begins on Friday. Tampa Bay, picked by many to win the American League East, is in fourth place and two games under .500. San Diego has an identical 16-18 record, owning six victories in its last seven contests, including four straight.

James Loney has added a spark to the Tampa Bay offense, standing among the American League leaders with a .381 average while knocking in 17 runs to support Evan Longoria and Ben Zobrist in the middle of the order. The Padres have surrendered only two runs the last four games and their bullpen ranks near the top of the National League in ERA (2.87).

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports San Diego, Sun Sports (Tampa)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Edinson Volquez (3-3, 5.50 ERA) vs. Rays RH Alex Cobb (4-2, 2.79)

After a rough start to the season, Volquez has pitched like the ace. The right-hander has allowed two or less runs in three of the last four starts, winning three straight decisions. Volquez gave up one run in 6 2/3 innings to beat Arizona on Sunday. He won his only meeting against Tampa Bay while with Cincinnati in 2011, surrendering three runs in 6 1/3 innings. Jose Molina is 3-for-6 with two homers against Volquez, but he left Thursday’s game with a bruised knee.

Cobb has allowed three or less earned runs in five of six starts, including Sunday in an 8-3 victory at Colorado when he surrendered three runs on eight hits in 6 2/3 innings. The 25-year-old is 3-0 with a 1.17 ERA at home this season. Opponents are hitting .259 against the right-hander overall and he has given up 42 hits in 42 innings. Cobb has 33 strikeouts and eight walks while left-handed hitters are batting .238 against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. San Diego has won four of the last six games between the two teams in 2007 and 2010 -- all played at Tampa Bay.

2. Tampa Bay's starting pitchers have gone at least five innings in all 34 games, the second most to start the season since 1916.

3. San Diego 3B Chase Headley brings a 13-game hitting streak into the series.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, Padres 2