San Diego @ Cincinnati preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 9, 2013 ) San Diego 2, Cincinnati 7

The Cincinnati Reds hold one of the two National League wild-card spots but are still hoping to make a run at the division crown as they enter Saturday’s game against the visiting San Diego Padres. The Reds won the series opener for their third consecutive victory and remain a distant third in the NL Central race behind the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals. San Diego has been outscored 21-6 while losing three consecutive games.

Padres outfielder Will Venable belted his 14th homer, setting a career high and taking over the team lead. Venable is batting .368 since the All-Star break and is one of the few San Diego players swinging a productive bat. Cincinnati's Brandon Phillips blasted a two-run homer on Friday and Joey Votto drove in two runs while putting together his third straight two-hit game.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Tyson Ross (2-5, 2.91 ERA) vs. Reds LH Tony Cingrani (5-1, 3.05)

Ross is 2-1 over his last three starts, allowing a total of three runs and eight hits over 20 innings. He is getting a long look as a starter after Jason Marquis was lost with a season-ending elbow injury. Ross is holding hitters to a .223 average.

Cingrani defeated St. Louis in his last outing when he gave up three runs, four hits and five walks in as many innings. He struck out 11 and allowed only one hit over seven shutout innings while taking a no-decision against the Los Angeles Dodgers in his previous start. Cingrani has 97 strikeouts in 82 2/3 innings while limiting opposing batters to a .197 clip.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati 3B Todd Frazier had two hits on Friday after going 31 consecutive at-bats without a hit.

2. San Diego OF Carlos Quentin (knee) has missed seven straight contests and was placed on the disabled list after Friday’s game. OF Jaff Decker will be recalled from Triple-A Tucson prior to Saturday’s tilt.

3. Reds OF Ryan Ludwick (shoulder) could be activated from the disabled list as soon as Monday.

PREDICTION: Reds 4, Padres 0