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Mariners try for another win over Padres

May 21, 2011 - 2:45 PM (Sports Network) - The Seattle Mariners will try to remain in the win column when they battle the San Diego Padres this evening in the second contest of a three-game set at Petco Park.

It is only May, but Michael Pineda is already making a strong case for AL Rookie of the Year. The 22-year-old has won five of his eight starts on the season and is coming off a terrific performance against Minnesota.

In the win over the Twins, the young right-hander tossed seven scoreless innings, scattering three hits while striking out seven batters. It was the seventh quality start for Pineda, who lowered his ERA to just 2.45 on the year.

Pineda will be making his fifth road start on the season and his first against San Diego. In his four previous outings as the visitor this season the young hurler is 2-1 with a 3.38 earned run average.

The Padres will hand the ball to Clayton Richard, who snapped a personal four- game slide with a win over Arizona in his last start. In the win over the Diamondbacks the southpaw was not sharp, allowing three runs in 5 2/3 innings, but he also struck out five batters.

Richard has pitched extremely well at home this season, but has no wins to show for his efforts. In four outings at Petco Park the crafty lefty is 0-2, but has an outstanding 1.71 ERA and is holding opposing batters to just a .205 batting average.

The 27-year-old has also enjoyed success against Seattle in his career, posting a 2-0 ledger in three starts. In 20 innings against the Mariners the lefty has allowed just three runs, while striking out 12 batters.

Last night, Erik Bedard struck out nine batters in eight shutout innings, as the Mariners topped the Padres, 4-1.

Bedard (2-4), who hadn't pitched since a 5-2 loss versus the Chicago White Sox on May 8, allowed just three hits and walked two batters. The lefty is unbeaten over his last four appearances. He also moved to 4-0 all-time against the Padres and 8-1 in his career in interleague play.

Miguel Olivo homered and Brendan Ryan knocked in two runs for the Mariners, who posted their third straight victory. Carlos Peguero tripled in a run and made a spectacular catch to rob Jorge Cantu of a home run in the seventh inning.

Mat Latos (1-6) was saddled with the loss after surrendering eight hits and four runs in six innings.

San Diego, basement dwellers in the NL West, won four of six meetings with Seattle a year ago and is 97-128 all-time in interleague play. The Mariners own a solid 137-112 mark against the National League.