Chicago @ San Diego preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 13, 2018 ) Chi. Cubs 5, San Diego 4

After breaking out of his slump with three hits in the series opener, Anthony Rizzo could find himself batting first again Saturday as his Chicago Cubs continue their three-game set against the host San Diego Padres. Rizzo snapped an 0-for-21 skid in Friday’s 5-4, 10-inning victory while hitting leadoff for the second time this season.

Rizzo tied the game in the ninth inning with an RBI double and the Cubs completed the comeback in the 10th, when Javier Baez singled with one out and stole second base before scoring on consecutive errors. Ian Happ added two RBIs for the Cubs, who have won 11 of their last 15 games to pull even with Milwaukee atop the National League Central. San Diego has dropped nine of its last 12 games and needs more production from Eric Hosmer, who is mired in an 0-for-16 slump and has gone without a homer in his last 115 at-bats. The Padres have gone deep just four times in their last seven contests, including a two-run blast by leadoff hitter Travis Jankowski in Friday’s loss.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ABC7 (Chicago), FS San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (5-8, 3.93 ERA) vs. Padres RH Luis Perdomo (1-3, 7.09)

Hendricks turned in a dominant outing against San Francisco on Monday, allowing one unearned run and five hits with eight strikeouts over 8 1/3 innings. The performance was an encouraging return to form for the 28-year-old, who has recorded one victory in his last eight starts. Wil Myers is 3-for-12 against Hendricks, who is 3-1 with a 2.50 ERA in six career starts versus San Diego - including a 2-1 mark and 3.15 ERA in three outings at Petco Park.

Perdomo made his second start since being recalled from Triple-A El Paso and allowed six runs over seven innings in last Monday’s 8-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. “There’s a lot to like about the work he's put in,” manager Andy Green told reporters. “His effort’s been great.” The 25-year-old, who began the season in the rotation before his demotion in mid-April, allowed one unearned run over seven frames in a 2-1 win over the Cubs on May 31, 2017.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs OF Albert Almora Jr. is 16-for-48 with nine runs scored in his last 13 games, including four multi-hit efforts.

2. San Diego fell to 6-25 in series openers with Friday’s loss.

3. The Cubs activated LHP Brian Duensing from the 10-day disabled list and optioned RHP Luke Farrell to Triple-A Iowa.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Padres 2