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Nationals host Padres as two worst NL teams meet

Sep 19, 2008 - 10:21 AM San Diego (58-95) at Washington (58-95), 7:35 p.m. EDT

WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- The teams with the worst record in the National League duel on Friday when the San Diego Padres visit the Washington Nationals.

Each team has been in last place in its respective divisions for the majority of the season and the clubs both come in losers of seven of their last nine.

San Diego may have the edge in the first game of the series as it will send ace righthander Jake Peavy (9-11, 2.77 ERA) to the hill.

The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner has not won since August 14, but has not received much run support to help his cause. San Diego averages a major league-worst 3.89 runs per contest.

Peavy allowed five runs over eight innings in a loss to San Francisco on September 12.

The Nationals will counter with rookie righthander Collin Balester (3-6, 4.54).

The 22-year-old, who has not earned a decision in any of his last three starts, allowed one run and four hits over 6 2/3 innings against Florida on Sunday.

San Diego won the only other series between the teams this season, taking two out of three from Washington in May.