San Diego @ Philadelphia preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 11, 2013 ) San Diego 2, Philadelphia 4

Roy Halladay has endured a rough season with statistics that look uncharacteristic when compared to his career norms. The Philadelphia right-hander sports an ERA nearly four runs higher than his 3.38 career mark as the Phillies close a three-game series Thursday against the visiting San Diego Padres. Halladay missed 3 1/2 months with a shoulder injury and has allowed 11 homers in 51 1/3 innings, but has pitched well in two of his last three outings.

The teams split the first two games of the series and Philadelphia’s 4-2 victory Wednesday snapped San Diego’s four-game winning streak. Padres outfielder Will Venable is batting .200 in 30 September at-bats after a torrid August in which he batted .395 and slugged .697. Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins homered in Wednesday’s game and his next blast will be the 200th of his career.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Tyson Ross (3-7, 2.79 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Roy Halladay (3-4, 7.19)

Ross has gone five consecutive starts without a victory despite pitching well. He gave up one run or less in three of the outings, including allowing just three hits over seven shutout innings in his last turn against the Colorado Rockies. The Padres have scored one run or fewer in six of Ross’ last eight starts.

Halladay had his turn moved back two days due to illness. He allowed one run and three hits in six innings in a no-decision against Washington on May 4 and Thursday’s start is his fourth since coming off the disabled list. Halladay is 3-2 with a 2.15 ERA in five career starts against the Padres.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres 1B Tommy Medica homered off Cliff Lee on Wednesday for his first major-league hit.

2. Phillies INF Freddy Galvis went 3-for-3 with a homer Wednesday and is 8-for-18 with two homers over his last four games.

3. Venable is batting .316 in 19 career at-bats against Halladay.

PREDICTION: Phillies 6, Padres 4