• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Phillies visit Padres looking to end four-game slide

Aug 15, 2008 - 10:21 AM Philadelphia (64-57) at San Diego (47-74) 10:05 p.m. EDT

SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- The Philadelphia Phillies could not have gotten off to a worst start on their seven-game road trip.

Philadelphia owned a two-game advantage in the National League East on Sunday as it headed west for a four-game set with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, their first-place lead quickly disappeared as the Phillies (64-57) were swept by the Dodgers and stand one game behind the New York Mets (65-56).

The series marked the first time the Dodgers had pulled off a four-game sweep of the Phillies in 46 years.

Now, the Phillies must try to right themselves when they face the San Diego Padres on Friday.

The Phillies have lost six of their last eight, but have not dropped five in a row since losing six straight from June 17-24. A meeting with the Padres provides a healthy opportunity to end the struggles as San Diego owns the second-worst record in the NL and has lost 12 of its last 15 against Philadelphia at Petco Park.

Jamie Moyer and Greg Maddux - two of the oldest players in the majors - square off in the series opener.

The 45-year-old Moyer (10-7, 3.81 ERA) has won three of his last four decisions. He allowed three runs and seven hits in six innings on Sunday, but did not factor in the decision as the Phillies claimed a 6-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The 42-year-old Maddux (6-8, 4.12), goes for his fourth win in as many starts.