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Wells hopes to end Padres' recent pitching woes

Jul 26, 2007 - 1:43 PM San Diego (54-46) at Houston (44-57) 8:05 pm EDT

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- For most of the season, the San Diego Padres have prospered because of solid pitching. On Thursday, they hope to return to rekindle that reputation against the Houston Astros. The Padres still have the best ERA in the majors (3.38), however, San Diego pitching has been pounded to the tune of a 7.67 ERA over the last six contests.

David Wells (5-6, 4.57 ERA) will attempt to reverse this trend after surrendering seven runs and seven hits over 4 1/3 innings in a 12-4 loss against Philadelphia on Saturday.

The 21-year veteran is 2-0 with a 5.71 ERA in three career starts against the Astros.

On the other hand, Wandy Rodriguez (6-9, 4.46) hopes he can rediscover the same success that led to two home wins in his first two starts of the month, as he posted 16 scoreless innings in starts on July 1 and July 6, contributing to his 5-2 record and 1.81 ERA at Minute Maid Park.

In Saturday's 7-3 loss to Pittsburgh, the lefthander allowed six runs - four earned - and seven hits over five innings. Rodriguez has not enjoyed stellar results against the Padres in two lifetime appearances - including one start - surrendering 10 runs in 4 2/3 innings (19.29 ERA) which has predictably led to an 0-2 record.