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Padres-Cubs Preview

Aug 17, 2010 - 5:56 AM By JEFF MEZYDLO STATS Senior Writer

San Diego (70-47) at Chicago (50-69), 8:05 p.m. EDT

The San Diego Padres were a good team without Miguel Tejada. They've been even better with him contributing in a big way offensively.

Tejada looks to continue his hot stretch as the NL West-leading Padres go for a third straight victory Tuesday night against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

The 36-year-old shortstop went 4 for 5 with two RBIs as San Diego (70-47) won for the seventh time in eight games, 9-5 over the Cubs on Monday.

Since going 1 for 10 in his first three games after being acquired from Baltimore last month, Tejada has batted .351 in 13 contests, including 9 for 14 with four RBIs in his last three. He is a lifetime .324 hitter against the Cubs.

"I think we've all seen Miggie now," manager Bud Black said. "He's a professional hitter. Really knows his swing. He has a great approach. Hits all pitches and hits good pitching."

A major-league leading 3.23 ERA has been the key to the Padres' success this season. Jon Garland (11-8, 3.41 ERA) looks to build on his latest strong outing when he takes the mound Tuesday.

The right-hander allowed one hit and struck out five in six innings of a 3-0 victory over Pittsburgh on Thursday, matching his win total from last season. The veteran has posted a 2.95 ERA in his last six outings.

"Jon knows how to work his way through a lineup," Black said.

Kosuke Fukudome had three hits and two RBIs on Monday for the Cubs (50-69), who have dropped 15 of 19.

"This is not what we expected out of this team," losing pitcher Tom Gorzelanny said. "This is an unfortunate year but there is still a lot of good things that can be done from this team."

Fukudome has batted .321 with six RBIs in his last seven games. He is a lifetime .315 hitter versus San Diego.

Randy Wells (5-10, 4.60) tries to avoid a fourth straight loss when he takes the ball for the Cubs. The right-hander allowed seven runs in five innings Thursday but did not get the decision in an 8-7 loss at San Francisco.

"I've got no explanation for you. It's pretty cut and dry," Wells' told the Cubs' official website. "I can't keep putting the team in a hole like that. It's not professional, it's not acceptable. Just chalk it up to a bad day and move on."

Wells has gone 0-3 with a 7.48 ERA in his last four starts. He allowed three runs and struck out seven in seven innings of a 3-1 loss in his only appearance against the Padres on May 23, 2009.

San Diego is 2-6 at Wrigley Field since the start of the 2008 season.