Arizona @ San Diego preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 14, 2013 ) Arizona 1, San Diego 2

The San Diego Padres look to reach the .500 mark for the first time this season Saturday, when they continue their three-game series against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks. San Diego has gone 28-19 since losing 15 of its first 20 contests to move within four games of the National League West-leading Diamondbacks. “We have some momentum and we’re gaining confidence with each win,” Padres pitcher Eric Stults told reporters. “We need to keep this good thing going.”

Arizona has lost four of its last six, but Miguel Montero appears ready to leave his season-long slump behind him. Montero, whose batting average dipped as low as .180 on May 19, has gone 17-for-59 (.288) over his last 15 games. Gerardo Parra continues to provide a spark at the top of the lineup, hitting safely in nine straight games and 17 of his last 19.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN (Arizona, San Diego)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Wade Miley (4-5, 4.89 ERA) vs. Padres RH Jason Marquis (8-2, 3.59)

After giving up seven runs in back-to-back starts, Miley has turned in two consecutive quality outings. He received a no-decision against the Dodgers on Monday, when he allowed three runs on nine hits over six innings. Everth Cabrera is 6-for-11 against the 26-year-old Miley, who is 1-4 with a 7.52 ERA in six career starts against San Diego.

Marquis' surprising season continued against Atlanta on Monday, when he allowed two runs over 7 2/3 innings en route to winning his seventh straight decision. The Padres are 8-1 over his last nine starts, and he’s posted a 3.17 ERA over that stretch. He is 3-7 lifetime against the Diamondbacks with a 4.53 ERA in 17 career games (16 starts), including a 1-0 record and 6.75 ERA in two meetings this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Padres acquired INF Pedro Ciriaco from Boston in exchange for a player to be named to provide infield depth with rookie 2B Jedd Gyorko (groin) on the disabled list.

2. Arizona is 25-12 when scoring first.

3. San Diego activated closer Huston Street from the 15-day disabled list on Friday.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 6, Padres 4