Padres 2 - 3 Dodgers
Final
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LA's Ethier puts hit streak on line vs. Padres

Apr 29, 2011 - 3:19 PM (Sports Network) - Andre Ethier tries to run his major league-record April hit streak to 25 games this evening when the Los Angeles Dodgers open a three-game series against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium.

Ethier, whose streak is the longest by a Dodger since Paul Lo Duca hit in 25 straight in 2003, is the 11th player since 1919 to get at least one hit in 25 of his team's first 26 games. Outfielder Willie Davis holds the Los Angeles record with a 31-game streak in 1969.

The last major leaguer to have a longer streak than Ethier's was Victor Martinez's 25-game tear in 2009. During the streak, Ethier has raised his average from .125 to .381.

Ethier had two hits in Wednesday's win over Florida, including a go-ahead home run in the 10th inning that lifted the Dodgers to a 5-4 victory.

The triumph capped a 3-3 road trip for Los Angeles.

"The last couple days of the road trip, it's tough to stay focused and keep energy, with four day games and a 4:30 a.m. wake-up California time," Ethier said. "I remind myself of my keys and what I need to do and grind it out."

Tonight the Dodgers will turn to lefty Ted Lilly, who is 1-2 with a 5.13 ERA, but is coming off an awful effort his last time out. Lilly was hit by the Chicago Cubs for five runs and 11 hits in just 4 1/3 innings on Saturday, but escaped without a decision in his team's 10-8 loss.

Lilly did not get a decision against the Padres earlier in the year, but is 6-3 lifetime against them with a 3.12 ERA in 12 games, 11 of which have been starts.

The Padres, meanwhile, enter this series with losses in six of their last seven games after dropping two of three to the Atlanta Braves, including a 7-0 shutout on Wednesday.

San Diego starter Mat Latos (0-4) allowed six runs, but only one of them was earned. He yielded seven hits and a walk, striking out five as the Padres lost for the eighth time in 10 tries.

"He couldn't string together enough good pitches to keep the ball out of the middle of the plate," said Padres manager Bud Black of his starter's inconsistent outing.

Jorge Cantu, Brad Hawpe, Orlando Hudson and Will Venable had singles to account for San Diego's four hits.

Hoping to slow down Ethier and get the Padres back into the win column this evening will be right-hander Clayton Richard, who is 1-1 with a 3.95 ERA. Richard was charged with the loss last Friday against Philadelphia, but pitched well in allowing two runs and six hits in 7 1/3 frames. He did walk four batters, though.

Richard is a perfect 4-0 lifetime against the Dodgers with a 2.48 ERA in six starts.

Los Angeles took two of three from the Padres earlier in the year at Petco Park. San Diego, though, won five of its nine matchups at Chavez Ravine a year ago.






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