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Reds' turn to Griffey, Volquez to stop slide

May 23, 2008 - 2:37 PM Cincinnati (21-27) at San Diego (18-31) 10:05 pm EDT

SAN DIEGO (Ticker) - The Cincinnati Reds hope Ken Griffey Jr. and Edinson Volquez can help them snap a four-game losing streak when they continue a four-game series against the San Diego Padres on Friday.

Griffey hit the 598th home run of his career - a two-run blast - during the series opener on Thursday, but it wasn't enough as the Reds dropped an 8-2 decision to the Padres.

The homer was Griffey's first in his last 91 at-bats - just 11 at-bats short of the longest home run drought of his 19-year career.

After staff ace Aaron Harang was pounded for five runs and 10 hits on Thursday, the Reds turn to Volquez (7-1, 1.33 ERA), who has been one of the best pitchers in the majors this season.

The 24-year-old righthander ranks first in the majors in ERA and is fourth in the National League with 62 strikeouts this season.

Volquez allowed just two runs and four hits in six innings, walking four while striking out five to earn his third win in as many starts during Sunday's 6-4 victory over the Cleveland Indians.

Shawn Estes (1-0, 2.03 ERA) counters for the Padres after allowing just three earned runs in three starts since being recalled from Class AAA Portland on May 9.