San Francisco @ San Diego preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 14, 2013 ) San Francisco 1, San Diego 10

Barry Zito’s roller-coaster ride with the San Francisco Giants appears to be nearing an end. Zito takes the mound in Monday’s series-opening contest against the host San Diego Padres, and the Giants aren’t expected to pursue the lefty when his seven-year, $126 million contract expires at the end of the season. Zito will look to finish the season on a high note when he faces San Diego, which has lost five of its last six games.

The Giants have been one of the majors’ biggest disappointments, but the defending World Series champions have played better of late with five wins in their last eight games. Right fielder Hunter Pence is batting .400 (14-for-35) during a nine-game hitting streak, and third baseman Pablo Sandoval has 12 RBIs in his last 18 contests. While the Giants continue to rely on their veterans, the Padres are eager to evaluate several young players this month - including outfielder Reymond Fuentes and starting pitcher Robbie Erlin.

TV: 3:40 p.m. ET, CSN-BA (San Francisco), FSN (San Diego)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Barry Zito (4-10, 5.81 ERA) vs. Padres RH Ian Kennedy (5-9, 5.10)

Zito has just one winning decision in his last 19 starts, going 1-9 with a 6.14 ERA during that span. The 35-year-old suffered his third straight loss last Monday against the Rockies, allowing five runs over four frames. Nick Hundley is 6-for-16 with two homers against Zito, who is 5-10 with a 4.61 ERA in 25 career games against the Padres.

Kennedy looks to bounce back from a dismal outing against his former team on Tuesday, when he yielded six runs in 4 1/3 innings. The 28-year-old, who was acquired from Arizona on July 31, has gone 2-1 with a 4.55 ERA in five starts with San Diego. He’s 6-3 with a 2.54 ERA in 16 career starts against the Giants, including 0-1 with a 3.32 ERA in three outings this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Giants have won 16 of their last 20 games when scoring at least four runs.

2. Padres 3B Chase Headley has missed the last four games with a stiff back and is listed as day-to-day.

3. San Francisco is 32-24 against National League West opponents.

PREDICTION: Padres 5, Giants 3