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Mariners-Padres Preview

Jun 12, 2010 - 6:49 AM By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA STATS Senior Writer

Seattle (23-38) at San Diego (36-25), 8:35 p.m. EDT

Even though they easily handled Cliff Lee, the San Diego Padres couldn't beat the Seattle Mariners last month. Wade LeBlanc's poor performance is mostly to blame.

Those pitchers look to rebound after posting terrible outings the last time they matched up, taking the mound as the Padres continue a three-game series with the Mariners on Saturday night.

On May 21, Lee (4-2, 2.77 ERA) had the worst outing of what has been yet another strong season, giving up eight runs in 6 1-3 innings to San Diego (36-25). Still, he got a victory as Seattle (23-38) won 15-8.

LeBlanc (3-4, 3.21) was the main culprit for the Padres, surrendering eight runs in three innings, a short outing that taxed the bullpen. LeBlanc has lost each of his two starts versus the Mariners, getting tagged for 12 runs in 4 1-3 innings.

LeBlanc snapped a personal four-game losing streak Monday night, giving up four hits in seven shutout innings of a 3-1 victory over Philadelphia.

The left-hander has lost three straight starts at home despite posting a 3.50 ERA. The Padres have not given him a run to work with during that stretch.

Lee, the 2008 AL Cy Young Award winner, has been outstanding despite playing for a last-place team. The veteran left-hander is 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA in his last three outings.

He notched his second complete game of the season Monday night, striking out seven in a 4-2 win over Texas. Lee improved to 3-1 with a 1.95 ERA in four road starts.

Lee is 1-0 with a 4.12 ERA in three outings versus the Padres.

San Diego overcame a strong start by Seattle's Jason Vargas in this series' opener, rallying for two runs in the ninth inning to win 4-3 on Friday night, moving into a first-place tie with Los Angeles in the NL West.

"Everybody just believes that we are going to win these games," said Chase Headley, who scored the winning run. "Even the close games we don't win, we are putting ourselves in position to win, and that gives us confidence. It's starting to build."

Manager Bud Black won't be with the San Diego until Sunday's series finale. Black left Friday's game to catch a flight so he can attend his daughter's graduation from Oregon State on Saturday.

Bench coach Ted Simmons is taking over managerial duties as the Padres seek a fifth win in seven games.

Seattle has lost four straight and seven of eight, scoring three runs or fewer six times. The Padres held the Mariners hitless in nine at-bats with runners in scoring position.

Milton Bradley, though, was a bright spot for Seattle, hitting a solo homer. It was his first homer since May 25 and fourth overall.

The veteran left fielder finished with three hits. He entered the game with a .145 average in 15 road games.